The weather was gracious to us this past weekend, so I took my two small children out on our inaugural bike ride of the season to the local park. Amazing their different reactions to being back on wheels, and so I’ve tried to capture their distinct reactions and our family’s joy of cycling in this short poem. Enjoy!


Timid girl,
sway and swish,
the pop and click
of spring’s early picnic.
Sweat and spit,
I’ve had enough of
winter’s crying fit,
underneath
the hot pink Pigsqueek,
find something firm,
grasp and reach,
daughter,
grasp and reach.

Rollercoaster guy,
limbs outstretched
wheels aligned;
a body designed to fly,
erratically swerving
honey bee,
Mom’s Busy Lizzie,
shadow brought him relief.
Glide without grief,
son,
glide without grief.


Artwork: ‘Days Happiness’ D. Esteves

Many of you know I love rollerskating, and well, this is pure joy, so I had to post it. Cheers.

29 responses to “Inaugural Cycle”

  1. Boys and girls. Chalk and cheese. Love it!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you kindly, Hobbo. I love that its warm enough to get back on wheels. Now just to get my timid girl going and keep my reckless boy from crashing into everything. 😂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 😂 Enjoy the ride!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Love this. So hopeful to think of Spring.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, VJ. It feels springlike here and with a little wishful thinking and imagination we can all pretend. ☘️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Can’t be that far off, right? You’re welcome, K.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. I love the freewheeling energy of this; the colour and the fizz —

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jon. I’m glad I could make this sound more jolly than it was, what with daughter squeamish and son a maniac. Still, feels good to be in the saddle again.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m glad that you guys got outside for some fun and fresh air! Kiddos need that so much, I love that old song and the video too! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I got a new Longtail bike for my birthday, and I’m loving it. Was inspired by all your recent rides and well, it works for the three of us.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the thumbs up, K! I’m glad that you have the new bike, let’s see a photo! ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, I’ll get to that soon. Took it out again today. I am in love.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Fabulous use of rhyme and, as John Malone said – such free wheeling energy. Great stuff!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. Here’s to more biking bibelot and an early spring. I get great ideas on the trail.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. It was 70 today! Great ying and Yang
    I had training wheels on my bike for a while growing up fearing I would crash it
    My brother was fearless with his big wheel crashing all the time 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, sounds similar to my two. We made it out for a ride and it was lovely. I think we will get spoiled with a few more days like this.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. That’s so lovely, K. Conjured wonderful imagery of your kiddos bicycling, and reflections of my boys and learning how to ride bikes. Awesome.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you kindly, Jeff. It is magical to see them find that independence. My wild man and my timid girl. They sure love to bike ride. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re most welcome, K. Always. It’s such a magical time indeed. Aww, that’s so cute. Bike riding is amazing, especially when young. 💜

        Like

  8. Hope you enjoyed a lot! Nice poem well shared 😊👌

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you 💜

      Like

  9. writingwhatnots Avatar
    writingwhatnots

    Great capture of your kids on their bikes. Love the rhymes. And the video was great fun to watch.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, kindly. We can’t wait for the biking days ahead.
      Spontaneous spring bike trips are my favorites. Always a new trail to explore and a new picnic spot to enjoy.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Tom Avatar

    Aww, this was a lovely little piece, full of energy and optimism! 😀 Beautifully written! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. Rainy all day today, but the bike is broken in now, ready to pedal towards new adventures both on and off the page.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tom Avatar

        🚴 Round round get around
        I GET AROUND
        Get around (OOH OOH)
        I get around 🎵

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yesss, although more like

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Tom Avatar

        I mean, uhh … yeah? 😅 ❤ Fab song too, wasn't my first thought ngl. Whatever tickles your pickle, I guess 😉
        🧐 Dear LAWD that man has swag. 😎

        Liked by 1 person

      4. A song mind skip, hadn’t seen that video for years, and yes it’s even more over the top than I remember. Glad you could hip-hop over there with me. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

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