I wanted to ride
like the other kids did
but our only bike
was my father’s two-wheeler
a monstrous size
to my nine-year-old eyes
So in his usual style
he improvised
Taught me to put my right leg
under the cross bar
Hold the bike to that side

    


He took me and the bike
up the end of the road
to a slight little knoll
gave a good shove 
and just let go

Took a couple of tries
But I soon got the knack
and was peddling my bike
like some acrobat
over the hills
up one and down
riding his bicycle sideways
all around town