The morning after I got the call
Frost clung to the fields of grass
As the sun brimmed the horizon.
Trees blushed, cast off leaves,
Drifted down, settled like shadows
Of colored light, circular, gathered round.
*
I remember a morning like this,
The dawn, yawning, spreading
The shadows of our bikes like
New mercies over warm pavement.
We were faithful to the road,
The open road he knew so well.
*
That day there was no double-clutching,
No whine whistling of his tractor trailer.
We were hugging the white line as the
Scenery scrolled by, slow and deliberate.
Peripheral perceptions keeping pace,
A sweaty grace.
*
It was a simple day back in ’80.
Pedals orbiting, words bouncing back–
Then forth, sometimes caught in the spokes.
Prayer wheels spinning, and changing gears.
We were present to each other,
One of the greatest gifts on this side of the line.
*
John had passed me now,
Riding ahead, pedaling toward
The Light of the world,
He looked over his shoulder and
Through a dipped lower lip said,
“Put the pedal down brother. Look!”
John Barrett
September 20, 1958-November 2, 2021
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Gerald the Writer 
Jerry, I’ve been anticipating this writing, knowing you’ve been grieving for your beloved brother. As expected, you have brought me to tears; you write from the depths of your soul, allowing the rest of us to see the bright Light ahead. My sincere condolences and deepest thanks for sharing.
Thank you Diane! Hugs!
Thanks! Beautiful ! He would Be rolling his eyes at me in that playful way ! I miss him every breath, but know he is in a much better place waiting for us all! ❤
Yes and amen!
So beautiful. Janet
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you Janet.
A wonderful ode to your brother. That looked like A recumbent bike in the picture. The Dutch call it a ‘leg fiet’ translates as lying down bike. May he rest in peace. My condolences with your loss.
Thank you Jasper. Yes, he rode his leg fiet until a few years ago.