Service - Michael Hemmer

Services

Pull the vehicle over the pit with the
Tires screeching against the concrete. Let the engine run
A moment too long to heat the oil up.
Exit the vehicle and go below,
Where the soul of the machine sets with
Moist heat filling the dark empty pit.

Glance at the plug and quickly calculate
Its size from a distance and grab
A hand full of wrenches, still greasy
From the last five vehicles
Loosen the drain plug and listen as the
Hot, blackened fluid rains into the
Vacant oil pan

Once all the life-blood from the vehicle has
Dripped away, find yourself the filter and
Remove it, feeling the still warm oil trapped within.
More of the blackened filth comes forth,
but this time do not let it all slip away
Collect a droplet on your fingertip, the warmth
Seeping into the grooves of your fingerprint.

Twist the new filter into the old slot and
Leave the now uncomfortably warm underbelly
Of the vehicle and pop the hood. The guts
Of the vehicle sit vulnerably before you,
But all you want is the yellow ring.

Replace the old blackened oil with the vibrant, golden
Fluid that flows over the rugged pistons. Pull the
Ring and feel it wither as if it was alive as it
Glides up the tube. Make sure the oil set perfectly
Between the utmost and minimum mark, and
Let the vehicle pump its new blood through its
Metal veins.