[Almost Trued Pantoum]

At last, I have had both tires trued,

tube patched, all broken spokes replaced,

I can pedal abreast of you

-assuming I can match your pace.

Tube patched, all broken spokes replaced

my seat's been raised, my rim's been dished.

Assuming I can match your pace

we can bike as I've often wished.

My seat's been raised, my rim's been dished,

(lowered handlebars, tightened chain)

now we'll bike as I've often wished

-assuming that it doesn't rain.

Over tweaked handlebars and chain

We'll share a smoothie as we ride.

Assuming that it doesn't rain

we'll start whenever you decide.

We'll share a smoothie as we ride

and talk of things we think and feel.

We'll start whenever you decide

-no need to reinvent the wheel.

We'll talk of things we think and feel

as I pedal abreast of you.

Or did they reinvent the wheel

Just when I've, at last, had both tires trued?

by Mr. Daniel Hales

I could quibble that one trues wheels, not tires. But more importantly, the metaphor of the preparation, the ride, and the truth that "true" works so well as a verb. And pretty dang clever.

Daniel Hales is a poet and musician who fronts a wonderfully named band called The Frost Heaves. He lives in Massachusetts, where I assume he also rides.