A Quiet Ride Poem by Ray Lucero

Spring in Portland!
Blossoms exploding rainbow colors everywhere.
Blessed are we, with eyes to see such splendor.

The first hill will be the best one,
encountered on this “quiet ride”,
For it is downhill all the way down into Oxbow Park,
The steady whirring of bicycle tires mesmerizes,
as the cool morning air brushes past my cheeks.

Freedom!

Propulsion and forward motion is determined by ones
willingness to peddle, today my body responds with,
wild abandon as miles melt away and time stands still.

The sights and sounds of a primordial rain forest
calm my restlessness, as a tide of peace
washes over my grateful being.

A doe & newborn speckled fawn saunter across the road,
uninterested, but for their browsing.

Burgeoned Spring flow of the Sandy River attracts all
manner of bird and beast as it meanders its way to
the waiting arms of a mighty Columbia River Gorge,
two rivers merge as one, then continue their journey
to Mother Ocean, where sweet and saline waters meet.

I ride…

A silent witness to wonders surely designed and created
by the Genius of a Loving God and a host of Angels!

ROTMS