My neighbor across the street drives an old car
That needs a new transmission but the children come first
So he worked out how to drive without reverse gear
While living at the end of our dead end street.
Expressing my sympathy for the difficulty he’s in
He dismissed it as nothing being so used to it
His car going on two years like this with no end in sight
Parent to two kids in college with three more behind.
You should see how he does it smooth as a pro
Letting his car roll backwards down the street slope
As he returns in the evening coming home after work
Getting parked pointed uphill set to head out again.
He drives a big rig at work delivering building supplies
Sometimes backing it down our narrow street block
Stopping off at home for lunch when his work is nearby
So it’s easy for him to be steering his car backwards.
He's such a great father playing with his kids
And sweet with their mother who wanted a large family
She who works as a teacher in the next town
These two people grew up here and stayed around.
Like so many who are pressed to make ends meet
Needing some help from both of their parents most days
Watching the children and dropping off groceries
For me this is personal though I don't know them so well.
I know what it’s like to have little money to spend
And now that I have plenty I want to give it to those who don’t
Concerned for these good people who make an honest living
No one deserves such a struggle to get by.
