Long red light

Long red light

At intersection, light is red;

I wait my turn to go ahead.

As fifteen seconds — twice that, too —

A minute’s gone; I sit and stew.

A light that’s green — that’s all I seek;

Will it occur — at least, this week?

So in my restless state I take

My foot from holding down the brake;

The bumper into crosswalk creeps,

And lo! The light no longer sleeps!

I wonder — was it timed that way?

Or did my action hold a sway?

So when a signal just won’t budge,

Is patience best, or rather, nudge?

A puzzle unresolved — aw, shoot!

I’d better take another route.