For Daphne
This summer I’ll be getting a new companion to ride with. Her name will be Daphne, and she’s a bernadoodle breed. My hope is to have her ride with me, either in a harness or backpack, assuming she remains small enough.
Since winter is still ensconced here in western Canada for at least a month, I thought I’d write a short poem about my prospective buddy and riding.
A couple of years ago I was riding through Bragg Creek, Alberta and stopped in at my favorite motocycle coffee shop, when an old bike and side-car rode up. An old dog, and an older man got out. The dog wore a bandana, helmet and goggles. It was one of the most heartwarming moments of my riding to see the attention the old man lavished on the dog, and the bond the two of them had.
It was the inspiration for this poem.
Ciao…
Gone with the Wind
She waits by the door for the sound that she knows
The sun’s low, he should be here by five
He’s never this late, anxiety grows
There’s the sound, he’s okay, he’s alive
She leaps off the step, the sound louder, still
Down the driveway, awaiting a pat
He’s almost here and there’s no time to kill
She runs back to the step for his cap
This was a long one, she hears herself say
There’s no doubt he’ll be tired and sore
Of course he’s been riding, a wonderful day
I’ll be good, I’ll go sit by the door
He pulls in the driveway, shuts off the bike
Unlatches his helmet, pulls out the key
He has in his pocket, something she likes
So he settles his weight on one knee
Over she wanders, all smiles and a wag
He has something for me I will bet
She snuggles up close, I see there’s a bag
On the front there’s a picture, a pet
The smell is terrific, could I resist
There is something delicious inside
He leans down and offers one great big kiss
This she loves but still takes it in stride
For the two have been one as long as she knows
They like hugs and snuggles together
But I’d like to ride, that thing when it goes
Any day, no matter the weather
Next day, sun is up, she watches him dress
Grab his helmet, his keys, and his boots
This time I’m not waiting, I’m to impress
As she jumps on the bike that she suits
You want to go riding?, said with a smile
Well we’ll have to make sure you are safe
I’ll get you a helmet, so wait here awhile
Puts her down, and he’s gone with a wave
She goes back to the step, and soon the sound
Running down to the driveway she goes
He steps off the bike, look, see what he found
It’s a plasticey thing for her nose
He slides on her goggles so she can see
And that smell, is it leather, I guess?
From the bag, a helmet, oh can it be?
Oh I hope, oh I hope, I impress
She looks in the mirror that’s on the bars
It’s exactly like his on his head
She’s happy, oh please, let’s go bark at cars
And go places where I’ve never tread
A bandana he wraps around her neck
I’m beautiful, happy and well
Please let’s get going cause I want to treck
Feel the wind, smell the air, for a spell
She has never been happier than today
I can go with him, everywhere, soon
This even better than going to play
He has music, I’ll sing him a tune
So if you go riding a canine you’ll see
Howling while hearing his owner’s song
Don’t be alarmed he’s just singing for me
We’re together and where we belong.
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