Poem: The Bike Path

J.B.S. October 1989

The Bike Path

Looking up into the sky, eucalyptus silhouetted against the horizon framing the sunset between boughs.

Mockingbirds chatter with voices not theirs Hikers sharing thoughts and cares Looking for another to carry a burden too great to bear alone.

Watch your steps on the paths edge,

where dogs have left a reminder of their house training.

The bike! the bike! whizzing by, ouch if I got hit luckily they say "on your left" as they pass.

Leaving thoughts of the day behind — good or bad — tossed aside, beyond reach.

Prayers said there, amidst the suns adieu, Holding hands, just to be a little closer, and more one than being apart.

Its lonely by ourselves, hurrying to end the strain of hills and the quiet Stopping for a brief respite at a crest that's down hill and up again, the last push before sight of home and a meal, yet to be prepared.

Of such topics are moments made

and trusts deepened through the joy...

and tears wash the memories

as clean as the leaves after a rain

unlocking depths no person has wanted to enter

as we face our days of anguish and triumph.

Sharing a hello to a passerby

becomes an intrusion into a world so different

than all those who walk that path

But all our needs are the same — good health —

and thus the bond that enlightens every heart.

J.B.S. October 1989