Nature vs. Nitro

There was a time
in drag racing
when the powers that be
outlawed Nitro.

In their small vision
things had moved
to far,
to fast.

Man
and machine,
didn't need to go further.
"How fast can we go?
It's just a quarter mile.
Christ, why are these fools
willingly killing themselves
just to prove a point?"

So for a short blip on the radar,
the major players stepped aside;
and the Outlaw Drags ruled.

Lunatics and fools
pushed the limits,
of time and safety;
for willing crowds
of blood thirsty patrons.
It was
ancient Rome
revisited.

It was a terribly
beautiful time.

"Fuck you,
I'll go faster.
Catch me if you can."

And they raced.
Heads up,
match races,
and brackets.
And the truth prevailed.
Mankind wanted Nitro.
Mankind wanted speed,
damn the cost.
We wanted transmission shrapnel,
and the rain of molten rubber;
from torque flex
on the bottom end,
and tire blow outs
on the line.

And I am held
by a trans-brake,
at maximum RPM.

I need to break loose.
I want wheels to spin.
I want white smoke,
and onyx rubber shrapnel.
I want to drift sideways
under the pressure ,
of torque and acceleration.
I want a clean
jump thru the timing tree.
I want,
to be thrown back into my seat;
by heavy machinery
with a singular purpose.
I want...

And what is sadder?
Need?
or
Want?

With the exception of a few good souls,
I must confess...
If you are reading this...
Fuck you.
Lunatics and fools.
Nitro was once outlawed,
and now it's assumed
in top fuel.

We move
so fast
and so far,
and the eyes
between the time traps
grow smaller.

We desire and crave,
the burst of speed;
but forget all the hard work
that got us there.

Tonight,
I am a Ford Thunderbolt
at Englishtown.
Tomorrow,
I will be,
just be.

I would like to just stay here,
behind the Christmas tree;
counting down,
waiting for the launch.

Spinning wheels.
White smoke,
and onyx molten shrapnel.
Dump the clutch
and it all goes to shit.
You lose,
before ever getting started;
but you leave a great mess behind.
And some fool
cleans up after you.

Fear created hero's.
Nitro fueled their myth.
And Love was buying a Cherry Coke at the Snack Bar.