Riding Into Darkness
October allows a few opportunities for riding
One bright morning or golden afternoon out of a dozen, maybe
I take them when they come, though
After sixty years, you come to understand how valuable these yellow days are
And how what is left in the office will still be there tomorrow.
I knew I was starting late
And that I’d have to cut my loop short
If I wanted to be home by dark
But the blue sky beckoned
And mornings were cold enough now to remind me
Of coming December and January and snow and ice
And so I lit out
And the tires spun on the uncrowded road
And I felt stronger that anyone my age
Ought to be allowed to feel
Like I had been set free
.
The sun was warming and I dreaded the coming winter so
That I wished I could eat the rays
In the rush and thrill of the moment
I deliberately passed by the turn
That would have gotten me home before dark
And rode knowingly and without regret
Into the autumn night.
Home Economics 
At the window we sat.
The warm yellow
of the light overhead
glowing against
the gray dusk outside.
There he goes.
Riding fast on the street
one block from his home.
Into the autumn night.
Ha. That wouldn’t have been me, would it?
You going to the library this evening?
It was you. I’ll be there, Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.