“Falling Off a Log,” New Era, Aug. 1986, 27
Falling Off a Log
Glistening in the garage
A dream of months
Come true.
Son, bursting with pride,
Soon to be one
Of the big kids.
“It’s easy!”
They claim
As he shakily mounts
His two-wheeled stallion.
Wobbling, in spite of feet
Still planted
On cement.
Easing first one
Then two
Up, to stiff pedals.
A moment
Of flight
Gliding ecstatically
Faster! Faster!
Crash! Skid.
Elbows smart, knees sting,
Eyes fill
with melted pride.
The stallion is led, limping
To its stall.
He’ll grow up …
Tomorrow.