I’m a three-speed Schwinn
And you are an Aston Martin, midnight blue,
on a solo cruise down the Autobahn,
your speed so crazy cliffs, trees, stars and moon
whip together in a frenzied banner
brushing your sleek lines.
Have you forgotten what the sky
looks like, even when your top is down?
When was the last time you stopped
to give someone a ride?
As the sun rises from a patch of spring violets,
you close your eyes in a darkened garage
and your engine no longer vibrates.
I bring up the rear, pushing my pedals on the open road
until my heart frays – tiny, untouchable threads.
***
I have to write one more poem or at least a rough draft (and really they are all drafts, at this point) to catch up with the pace of April poems. And I really feel like the bicycle in this poem – my energy is flagging a tad bit. It’s hard to churn out a poem to a specific prompt. But at the same time, I’m a ‘good student’ type, and if someone gives me an assignment I can generally rise to the challenge. So at least I’m writing.
This poem is based on a prompt I wrote for Read Write Poem about cars. Which means I’m writing to my own prompt. Student and teacher in one. I also included it in the Poetic Asides poem-a-day challenge in the category of objects.
Balanced On the Edge 
(o)
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This is achingly beautiful and expresses the joy of being sentient in the springtime – heck, anytime! G
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Well, I think you’re doing a hell of a great job, Christine. I’m very impressed. The quality of what you are producing is excellent. I wish my drafts were this good.
I figured Aston Martin was a car, but I had to google it. So that’s how the other half lives!
But I’m with you. A three-speed Schwinn lifestyle is much better, much richer. I love the sentiment in this poem. The voice is great, too. The last stanza is excellent, as is this one:
“When was the last time you stopped
to give someone a ride?”
Wonderful work. Go, Christine!
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Julie, I had to google it too to know exactly what one looks like. I know someone who loves cars, especially fast ones, and he’s always pointing them out to me on the highway. Thanks for stopping by, and for your encouragement!
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This is a really nice reminder of the value of going slow. You see more. Love this line: “your speed so crazy cliffs, trees, stars and moon /
whip together in a frenzied banner”
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I bring up the rear, pushing my pedals on the open road
until my heart frays – tiny, untouchable threads.
This is so utterly scrumptious. I wish wish I had come up with it. Beautiful.
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This is gorgeous, Christine.
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