What is that strange-looking car I see?
Well, believe it or not, it’s a Model T
‘Twas said it’s a car that all could afford.
The maker, none other than Henry Ford.

It’s a simple car – with “three on the floor”,
Three pedals – that’s all – there’s no need for more.
No cumbersome shifting of gears – instead
Just a push on a pedal gets you going ahead.
The one in the middle will make you go back.
But the last, number three, stops you dead in your track.

No cruise control, power steering, power brakes, or A.C.
No stick shift, no clutch  – it’s a Model T
Just three simple bands – that’s all  you need,
As they’re worked by your feet, both hands are free
To steer or to wave to all you might see.

But our Ford was different, and well it might be,
With a mind of its own – for it climbed up a tree!
My mother was driving on a road of our farm
On a fairly steep hillside, far away from all harm –
When without any warning, the steering wheel came free –
And the Ford in full throttle climbed up a tree!

The motor stalled out, no power to get down –
Can’t reach up to crank it, too high off the ground.
So, what to do now, there was only one source,
Go to the barn and bring back a horse!
With the help of the horse, and earth’s gravity
The Ford came easily down from the tree.

And often I wonder what Mother’s thoughts were
As she nervously waited to get down from that tree.
There’s a moral to this story, and I urge you and feel
You should always make sure there’s a nut on the wheel!
I fondly remember, and ever grateful will be
To renowned Henry Ford, and his great Model T!

Richard James Thayer, February 16, 2007