Ego Ride

by Derek Morrison

I’m really not out for an ego ride
Till I have the measure of who’s by my side
And then I’ll slowly press the pace
Lead them into a tacit race
I’m struggling up this hill for now
But when I get to that far off brow
I’ll put my head down, get back in front
That will show I lead this hunt
But wait, wait, I’ve got it wrong
I didn’t think they were this strong
Perhaps round that corner the road is flatter
But there again, why should it matter
There is no reason I should lose face
There is absolutely no disgrace
After all I have nothing to hide
I’m really not out for an ego ride.

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Coffee Stop

by Derek Morrison

Coffee stop
Energy draining
Blood sugar drop
Need sustaining.

But table service
Fulfillment slow
Getting nervous
Near time to go.

Front of house
Very chic
Back of house
News is bleak.

Facilities no soap
One shared towel
Shared bugs scope
Definitively foul.

Reassuringly expensive
Confused with quality
Customers pensive
Despite frivolity.

Scope for whining
Not enough to eat
Like fine dining
More they bleat.

Friendly smile
Not even one
Not their style
Cyclists shun.

Mud on seats
It’s been raining
Splashes from streets
No guards explaining.

Pay as a group
Final pain
Collection hoop
Not come again.

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Deflation

by Derek Morrison

Fine time for a puncture
Attribution: Wesley Trevor Johnston [CC BY-SA-2.0]
Click to view larger image.

Gods, they smiled
As plans you told
Group cycle ride
Despite the cold.

Out in countryside
Rain like spear
Bad day for puncture
Mused he at rear.

The assassin thorn
Lay in silent wait
Its pointed dagger
Was someone’s fate.

Heavens pouring down
Prayers for release
Coffee stop pending
So pace increase.

The waiting assassin
Struck the blow
He at the rear
Didn’t even know.

Speed fell away
Group unaware
Pedaled onwards
Dry to share.

A slowing pace
Insufficient heat
Magnified loss
Once on feet.

Shelter priority
Fix can wait
Primary risk
Hypothermia state.

Leaden hands
Fingers blue.
Inn gave respite
Hot drinks too.

Repair was painful
Fix was slow
Fingers seized
Felt like toe.

Coffee stop
One was gone
Post rain and coffee
Search party spawn.

But happy ending
After transient fear
From my being
He at the rear.

Gods, they smile
As plans you tell
So plan for breakdown
In weather hell.

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