On the Line

from the old days

On the Line

 

Leathered palms twist the throttle

revs raise up ... engines roar.

Like that genie in her bottle

waiting for the flag to soar

 

air pulsating with vibrations

below our feet the earth trembles

growing atmospheric sensations

as two dozen V-Twins rumble.

 

The crowd’s involved and loudly chanting

Honda ... Harley ... Harley ... Honda!

Hold on a sec ... down there ...

in the infield ... is that Peter Fonda

 

Looks like him ... but what’s he saying?

I can’t make it out over the noise,

I’m not sure ... could be he’s praying

to the spectral God of manly toys.

 

The flag goes up ... flashes down,

clutches dropped they flash ahead.

Six abreast into the first turn

one’s in the lead by a thread

 

bike leaned over, steel shoe sliding,

holding off the ones behind

first one in controlled and gliding

gets to pick the perfect line

 

go in deep and come out harder

push ahead down the straight

need the prize bad, to fill the larder

one on the way who just can’t wait.

 

Six riders abreast in the final turn

Sliding through the dirt

Spinning wheel against the berm

Hoping no one will get hurt

 

Riding low above the bars

Heading for the finish line

Look ahead, it’s not that far,

For the one with the fastest time. 

 

The flagman drops the checkered flag,

Number four ahead by a nose

He sits up to create some drag

reaching out to catch the rose.

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

When I first started reading, I got traces of remembrance, but it was for a car race that I believe was well-written by you a couple years back. So when I got to the motorcycle aspect of this reveal, I knew I'd not read this before. This is a great poem, polished, sophisticated rhyme & rhythm, plus a peppy storyline that compels the reader along. Thanks for sharing (((HUGS)))

[Ted Kniffen]

Thanks for reading Bgirl. Yeah, the other one was a drag race bit ... you rather enjoyed it.

[Chris Shaw]

I enjoyed this bikers race. Loved the imagery the speed, as well as the black leathers. All competing for the finishing line. Some of those bikes are truly amazing works of art. You know I haven't ridden pillion since I was seventeen. You just brought me back a memory Great read.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Sorry Chris, it appears my reply was dropped. Thanks for reading ... glad you enjoyed the ride.

[Chris Shaw]

No problem Ted. Happy. Monday :)