Regularly on morning walks, bicyclists nod at me as they peddle up the hill to reach the mountain. Leroy pulls on his leash trying to run after them. He envies their speed the way I admire their agility, their athletic ability, which I've never had.
I did own a bike soon after I was married when my husband wanted to fill in the gap of what he considered my huge childhood deprivation. I had never learned to ride, so he bought me a beautiful, shiny red bicycle. I was young but devoid of a blind, bold, fearless, daring, adventurous spirit. Again, it's something I've never had.
My bicycle training failed. The second I saw a vehicle approaching on the oncoming lane, I toppled. Irrationally, I feared the road was too small for both of us. My husband laughed so hard before accepting that I am irreparably bicycle impaired.
I know we should never say never but I know I'll never experience a bicycle ride. I've never really wanted to. But I do want to conquer other fears, as I accept my vulnerabilities. And I want more mornings...to keep walking.
Mornings come and go
Travelers find their own way
To the mountain top
(For Poets United.)
Oh... this one is painful, learning to bike was my first small victory as a kid, and ever since I consider myself a bicyclist... it takes me to work, it takes me home again. I love the complex simplicity of riding my bike.
ReplyDeleteI understand.
ReplyDeleteGood write/experience
ZQ
perhaps you are too grounded, and yet soar-sail on wings unseen - which means there are still many other adventures to be 😊 and nothing wrong with that
ReplyDelete"Travelers find their own way"
ReplyDeleteTrue Myrna, never stop that.
I think we all have a fear that is unconquerable as we find our own way.....
ReplyDelete"Mornings come and go
ReplyDeleteTravelers find their own way
To the mountain top"
Beautiful!
I resonate with this poem and LOVE the haiku. Last attempt to ride was on a TRICYCLE for adults. I could not coordinate how to pedal, steer, use brakes all at the same time and rolled down the driveway cackling and shrieking. My sister has it on film, lol.
ReplyDeleteAlthough a cyclist myself as a boy I can sympathise with you as there are many things I never achieved either. However I am sure both our lives were fill with other activities and such regret is not really necessary.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this lovely haibun of your experiences.
ReplyDeletewhen i started to learn to cycle, it took me about a week to get the basics right: pedaling, balancing, steering and using the brakes. after that, it was time to brave it out on the roads. :)
Sigh I so relate to this. I too could never properly ride a bicycle.. but its never too late to conquer our fears!💖
ReplyDeleteAh, I want more mornings to keep walking too. We do all find our way to the mountaintop in our own way...walking or biking - we get there all the same!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, I borrow my neighbor’s bicycle and despite the wounds, falls, etc. I managed to balance my self. Nice back story, Myrna. Love the ‘ku too
ReplyDeleteBicycling was such a joy for me through my youth and into my middle years, when my knees gave out. I still long for a ride at dusk! Great write.
ReplyDeleteI completely sympathise with your story. I never learned to ride a bike either, for exactly the same reasons, and like you I know I never will. And I love your beautiful, philosophical haiku.
ReplyDelete