Yes, I know this is supposed to be poetry about unreturned love. However, I thought some context might be appropriate before we get to the actual poem.
I was glad when BMW went down a radical design path, and the grilles on their models inexplicably started taking on ridiculous proportions. Somehow, my dislike of the brand felt easier on my conscience. Before this happened, however, my opinion of the German carmaker was strongly tied to the first (and maybe last) BMW car I purchased a few years ago.
It was a 2011 BMW 330i, and my excitement was through the roof when I thought I had secured what seemed like a good deal at the time. In hindsight, I probably should have been more cautious with the sales process, but I was too young and too naive.
My story today might have had a different ending if I had paid attention to the several warning flags. Anyway, that’s life, I guess. I parted with my hard-earned savings, took the car home and thus began a chapter of my life that I never want to relive…
Now, the poem…
Unreturned Love
The journey had an aura of inevitability about it from the very beginning.
We only tried to postpone the end for as long as possible, or at least I tried.
See, I loved her so much, but I shouldn’t be punished for that.
What man could resist her shimmer and shine?
Many times, I would stand some distance away and just soak in her beauty
At such moments, the dreamy smile on my face told the entire story
She must have known she had me hook, line and sinker
How else can you explain the way she subtly set about milking me dry?
She was undoubtedly high maintenance; she always wanted something new
At first, I found it amusing and obliged her every whim and fancy
I started to get a little worried when she showed no signs of slowing down
My pockets were beginning to thin out, but there was no stopping her
She was a dynamo; her energy and enthusiasm grew with every adventure.
I was sure to pay back several times over for every kilometre she gave.
She always got her pound of flesh in return.
Eventually, I came to the point where I could no longer satisfy her
She sensed this immediately, and our relationship quickly turned sour
I had no more gifts to offer, and her ‘love’ for me quickly dried up
It was clear to me then that she was with me only for my money.
At this point, and as painful as it seemed, I knew she had to go, so I put her up for sale.
I had hoped to recover some of my expenses at least
But even then, she screwed me over and had the last laugh.
I could only sell her as scrap.
See? A pre-sale inspection revealed yet another major mechanical failure in her innards.
Now, I am left with only the memories.
I can only hope they fade with time because, for now, all they bring is pain.
I will not miss her.
Tolu Akinshete
