"SOULMATES"

by Robert M.

Mercury Rising #3, January 1992

sometimes I feel

my bicycle and I are one person

when I zig-zag in between bars and buses

occasionally frightening pedestrians

a mutual high we both share

crossing crowded intersections

pushing the edge of intensity and adrenaline

horns blowing, whistles screaming, drivers cursing

"Hey, Asshole stay off the fucking street

but we don't care the excitement is over

closing in on the next delivery (Lock it Up)

staring at other bicyclists

especially their MACHINES

observing every detail, absorbing the craftsmanship, and quick-

trick geometry.

they have clockwork minds just like me

road worn hands and asphalt feet

senses beyond the passion, out of thin air

you never hear us till you feel the (THUMP) under the wheels

turning.

When someone steals your BICYCLE

that one thing that you used to get mad at, throw tools at even it

didn't go your way

wished it was never born

when someone crosses that fine line

you feel that you just lost your best friend

yesterday because tomorrow and it's still only a moment has

passed

thinking back when you were just riding down the block or

venturing into the park

to watch the grass bowlers dressed down in their angelic white

attire

it's gone and it's never coming back and you know it's not waiting

at your front porch

or sleeping on top of your bed

it's a memory that you won't let go

and it's gonna be very hard to forget

and it hurts so very very much

it will be a struggle for sometime

in the beginning

eventually you'll find another

and become attached

when it hurts and needs repairs

you'll tell it, it's going to be O.K.

this will pass because you're both fighters

and you've been thru this before so the comforting because

easier it passes and you go on

recollective thoughts about those other loves

so to you it becomes a tearful laugh.

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at messvilleto@yahoo.com