Ode to Family Bike Rides, Pt. 1

We ride and we brake at stop signs and lights, headed towards the city scape 30 pounds behind and in front as we ride Pushing down on pedals my heart rate starts to rise Jefferson is calling you to follow me and the kids too To the steps at promenade and walk them through the loops Chase them and play Pack a boozy shake with fries Ride by the fountain Sit riverside Roll down the boardwalk Watch geese flocks talk and trash float by Look up at buildings rising midsize into the sky Dark glass and empty storefronts reflecting back our eyes I can bend my neck to see your face as we roll on through Or bend the mirror to see you clearly reading a book from the library Sit outside with bees and chips and salsa please Or in the courtyard, admired by cats, feral and wild The children ignore their plates and throw things all over the place When the waitress comes Make room for the food and a drink or two with you