Thursday, May 27, 2010

my bike poem

it's been a long time

i wrote a poem tonight based on a current event in my life. it's just a draft with no inhibitions, so don't judge too hard. if anything feedback to make it better.

love song for a bicycle

you were the first grown up
i owned
at age 21, you fit me just right
your adjustable height,
the way my arms went
from my chest
to the handles
you were the perfect grip
a perfect college day
riding you down by the river
through to the line to the throne
leading a friend along
the breeze is perfect
as the pace is high
blowing through my hair
as i seize toward the wind
and find myself in your arms
my own mercy seat
my refuge, my peaceful dwelling
you were tthese hings-
and shiny, and green,
you had a name
unlike any non living
object i ever owned

you were my friend
you comforted when
things began to change
back then my only friend for miles
a summer evening, along
suburban backroads
you guided me and taught me freedom
in a restraining place
the breeze swept intimately
through my bones
as i discovered
each neighborhood ended
with a couldesack

but then life wore on
and we spoke a little less
two jobs, no money
you collected dust in my garage
dormant, and with rusting chains

i got you fixed this year
after i moved
and i felt free again
bur still two jobs, and though
a more viewer friendly locale,
you went ignored

but we had few good times
riding through trails crowned
with dandelions and other weeds

you were in my office storage room
covered with things, but
i rescued you from that existence
and loaded you into my suv
so i could ride you
anytime.
anywhere.

just drive somewhere and ride.
that was my dream. just when my second job
is ending, i can take you for a spin.

it was my last week and
anticipation was built
you were in my car
as i drove to wegman’s
you were in my car
when i drove home

my car looked emptied the next day
something was not right
it wasn’t until the middle of the day
i realized
you were gone


it’s doubtful i cried this much
for any person as of late
i had such plans for you
but the plans wouldn’t wait

someone took you away
no bicycle could replace you
not one
your bright green shine
your inviting embrace

i would take you anywhere
you were mine
a possession, sure
but much, much more
it’s hard to explain
the loss, as losing your own
kinsmen seems to be
a regular occurrence
for everyone
but what a shock
it was for me