Harley Bitch (For Carrie)

1.

I wish I could tell you your beauty:
how young you are,
so determined to be who you are.
It's your spirit, Carrie,
that inevitably make everyone jealous.

You have the class
that tempered can be hard as glass
and clear
as a free running stream,
so that what you mean
is nothing
that needs be said.

You have the gift
of being both fragile and tough.
Much will be expected.

2.

Because of lascivious leanings
and impulsive heart,
I find it hard
to not imagine myself
as the bike
your two legs straddle;
but also
am old enough
to readily admit my jealousy
of the bike you ride.

3.

So, I'm somewhat like Jack with his thumb.
You're a sweet conundrum
as we travel our separate ways.
You live your days,
as I do, within commitments.
Our words speak truth.
Our difference lies in the fact that you are so certain.
Still, I do enjoy
lust triggered by a beautiful woman.

4.

Make no mistake! I don’t approve of fast living,
but, right or wrong,
nothing is important as forgiving.

Knowing much of grief
and the use of lies and mistrust,
I hope that—without much fuss—
you exercise care when riding

and take some pride
from choices that reflect your convictions;
nonetheless, aware
of the need that each of us has
to reserve some space
for kindness and contradictions.

5.

Perfection should not be your goal.

Don't let a grudge
ever be the determining factor.
Accept the fact
that loss is part of the act.

You will be called on occasion
to admit mistakes.
Do so. Do so.
And never say "Yes" to mean "No."

You will learn these skills.

What's hard is to be not too harsh
when it's you you're riding,
when the Harley you ride is yourself
and there's no discarding.

Otherwise, all your world's in the cards.
Ride hard.
Ride hard.