Robert Verdon, #365, Noon

out riding

by the wetlands lakelet

with a friend

who hasn’t pedalled

in fifty-four years

no mechanic

I have made sure

all the bolts are tight

our bikes

would be the envy

of the Wright Brothers

(though if they fly

we are in deep shit)

ducks watch us pass

resting on the concrete

spring lingers

on the shallow water

all is familiar

numinous

and safe

as a wattle

blossom

in the hennaed palm

of the Goddess