Memories
By: Roger Sample

My poem is a tribute to my dad. My dad was in a bad bike crash and hasn't been on a bike in years and years. I was over at the house one day on my Virago and this poem describes what happened that day. I don't think that he was really afraid of riding but many things had happened to him since that time. He had fallen from toping a tree and broke his neck in three places and his back in two and both wrists. He is lucky to be alive much less walking and in good health. >From time to time his arthritis acts up but to be expected for being 68. So I think his thoughts were not to push a good thing because a fall would be very bad for him.

One day I watched my Dad.
Looking at my bike with memories done past.
It really made me sad.
I told him that memories are the only thing that last.

It was a warm and beautiful day.
So I said I'll go get some tea.
And when he looked my way.
I could see that look in me.

The longing for the road.
And the wind in his hair.
I could see his mind carrying a heavy load.
For riding the bike he did not dare.

It carried memories of a time long ago.
He shook his head as if to say.
I dare not go.
I said take her away.

I watched closely as he sat on her seat.
His eyes starting to glisten.
The road at his feet.
He turned the key and gave a listen.

With the push of a button the bike roared to life.
And as I smiled to him.
I'll be back he told the wife.
I told him her name is Kim.

As they road off, out of sight.
My mom gave me a hug and a pat.
She said its going to be a great night.
Cause your daddy needed that.

2/2000

Live to the fullest, because you can only be so cautious and life will pass you by.