The Pilot Light
By John Milton Hendricks
Three standard functions:
One: as valve
withholding the influx of gas
in wait for greater ignition at which point
the flow is directed
such as in stoves, their bodily spirits
invisibly burning
under hoods
dormant
ready
Two: as guide
a bulb without a switch
contrived to glow while others fail
and lead the observer ahead
like out of the smoke-ridden building
thanks to exit signs
advice
heretofore
ignored
Three: as warning
of some thing about to break
announced by a sudden illumination
within the auto itself
I mean the "Check Engine" square turning red on the dash as you
race to outwit collapse.