Another day was in the air
My friends and I all gathered in the court to play
made up sports and games - setting off a car alarms
to pass the time. They were lucky they had bikes

but I always walked wherever I would go.
Even keeping up with them was a game
as they would ride with the wind
at their backs, I ran on the ground

just behind them - the race
started so swiftly that no one had time to say go

Everybody thought it was cool - but I wanted
to ride. Riding through the wind

I thought, must be so exciting and
just like flying - my walking was expected by them
I was almost their age anyway but they thought I was
too young. As if it was an immature thing I wanted

and wanted for so badly! It wasn't the bike
that held me back but merely not having
the skill to ride. This act of flying
I could not do anyway

But this time I wanted to try
so I asked my friend for her bike
Just for a second, just a moment.
My sister thought I didn't have the skill

It seemed simple, just push the pedal -
balance and for a moment
I teetered but hung on determined to try
Then lifted off and steered straight for the sky

Dillette and Shawn were prepared to laugh
but stood still as they watched me pedal
and pedal but to their amazement
I remained in the sky.

Another day was in the air.

Learn more about this author, Brooke Shambley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Poetry: Biking?
We want to hear your view. Write now!