just like everything else in my life
i was a late bloomer
when it came to riding a bike

i preferred the safety
of my little sister's tricycle
and the steadiness of three wheels

the twins, ricky and ronnie,
(the bully monsters that everyone had
in their neighborhood) made fun

i had a crush on ricky, he
was the CUTE one

and he rode a bike past my
house every day

so i mounted my steed
and pedaled my way across
the lawn

initially, my motions were jerky
but soon i was maneuvering
and turning with ease

my confidence grew

the next morning i
couldn't wait to ride past
the twins house

my heart almost choked me
when i noticed ricky in the front yard

he laughed

i held my head high
as my heart hit the banana seat

but i rode on up the hill
and enjoyed the breeze in my hair
and the sun on my face

and i still ride a bike