Abandonment of Autos

‘The City Council is reported to be concerned about the number of old

cars being abandoned in city streets.’
NEWS ITEM

1 Something about the idea

Appeals to me immensely – the driver
Pulling up in some busy street,
After manoeuvring dexterously
5 For a parking-spot, applying the hand-brake,
Stepping out and closing the car-door
For the last time with grave tenderness…
In place of the customary
Abject submission to the cold appraisal
10 Of the merchant
For whom an old heap is only an inventory of parts
(Working and non-working) there is in this
Seemingly casual walking away from the parked car
(Who is to know that he will not return?)
15 A largeness of gesture, satisfaction of a
Sense of gallantry in circumstances where
Sharp-faced men are forever lifting the bonnet with a frown,
Disdainfully kicking the tyres,
Discovering a leak in the radiator and offering,
20 In consequence, next-to-nothing.
It is the urban Arab’s Farewell To His Steed,
Down to the final affectionate pat
On the near mudguard before turning away
To shoulder a passage through the indifferent crowds,
25 Made free in the moment of loss, the one true test,
Only the licence-plate which he carries with him
Into the new life stating as clearly
As any letter of recommendation:
‘Here is one who senses the fitness of things.’

Guiding Questions:

1. How does the speaker view the abandonment of Autos (cars)?

2. How does the use of imagery support the central ideas of the poem?