inevitability

i feel the engine within me
thrumming 
but missing a sporadic beat.
just enough to remind me
it will eventually seize
in an oily
steamy surprise
of end time chaos.

i will grab my chest
or fall face-down
into my oatmeal.
or they may find me 
in the bathroom
splayed across the 
checkered tiles
like a surrendered
chessboard king. 

the clock is running
and i'd best 
get down the highway
before it inevitably stops
and i can't squeeze in my
las