Close Encounter

The red eye forbade further progress
The car in front stopped, I stopped.
We waited our allotted 2 minutes in limbo
The green eye cleared the way ahead
The car in front moved; BACKWARD!
The sound of splitting plastic; CRACK!
The sound of apologies; “IT’S MY HUSBANDS CAR
I DON’T USUALLY DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC
I THOUGHT IT WOULD GO FORWARD
I MUST HAVE PUT IT IN REVERSE”
The tow ball used for pulling the caravan
On so many wonderful family holidays
Had done for my number plate!
I smile, we agree on a price of recompense
She offers, I accept
We part with cheerful wave.
No harm done.