A wild and wooly motorcycle trek,
long before the Interstate highways
When I hopped astride my Harley
I had Texas in my sight
For my leave was nearly over,
Had to be there Sunday night.
Fourteen hundred miles awaited,
Miles of wind and bugs and sun;
Of two lane roads and fogs and dogs,
'Ere this trip was ever done.
So I set my course for Nashville,
Wanting Memphis before dark;
Roaring on and singing, thinking
What a lark, oh! what a lark.
Next morn a need to check my map,
Bade me pull off to the side.
I braked in gravel and was thrown,
Skinning elbows and my pride.
I bumped and bounced through Arkansas,
Driving through the fog and rain;
By now my back was wearisome
And my kidneys feeling pain.
Now, into Texas I bore on,
Still with many miles to make;
The sun and wind had burned my nose,
Like a well-done char-broiled steak.
My leave was up at twelve o'clock,
But I arrived at seven
And passed in through those campground gates;
Back into Air Force heaven.
Great story Joseph, sounds like you had a lot of fun way back - good for you! ! Wonderful poem, gets a 10 from me.
Hi Joseph..... i adored this, it made me smile and it covers one thing i cannot walk past, a Harley......the shiny rugged beast of the road, there really is no show stopper like it...(im considering a Vespa myself at the mo....been my dream for years I love the comedy and downright honesty of the things one who does not ride, would not consider.... bugs and frogs...... and..... My favourite lines are..Skinning elbows and my pride......and....The sun and wind had burned my nose, Like a well-done char-broiled steak. thanks for sharing this lovely write.....karen
Great narration. A treasure. It’s worth a mint to have such interesting and fun part of your life in verse to visit and revisit at any given time—even 30-40 years, or more, down the road. Truly a wonderful composition. 10
What a bumpy ride. Well ridden, I mean written. I can taste the dust. Good work.
As a former Airman stationed in West (Lubbock) Texas, I can sincerely appreciate this one Joseph! Very good.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
A great insight into your motorcycle days, what a journey to return to the Air Force, with five hours to spare. sounded very painful laced with pleasure (or maybe the other way around) . A really brilliant poem, thank you for sharing.