Driven

He was a well-known consumer advocate
renowned for his integrity, principles
and lack of legalese –
able to give an un-practised, unequivocal answer
to even the most contentious of issues
was a regular on TV, radio and in print.

On his last day he was interviewed, for the last time
reflected on a quarter century of being the watchdog
and
frequently the guard dog.

Stories,
there were so many.
but he thought the best.
The best example of the power of the consumer –
to fight back, to change the unchangeable.

It was reserved parking – monitored –
stern signs warned of stern consequences.
The tow truck driver was impervious to her pleas,
of heat, of urgency, of lack of alternative –
“ sorry lady” – them is the rules.
Right, you can pick it up from the yard at ….”

Quick as a snake striking
she opened the car door and shoved three children in
the tow truck drove off
the kids wailed and cried, banging on the windows
screaming to be released, and for their mother –
the world watching –
after about 500 m, the tow driver stopped,
lowered the car to the ground
growling,
“ lady take your car and just go.”