Changing Gears

They stole my brand-new bike from where
I’d left it in the yard.
Since I was only eight years old,
I really took it hard.

I’d only had it for a week
But it fit all my needs – 
The brakes were on the handlebars
And wow! It had three speeds!

It was metallic blue and oh,
The other kids would stare;
But one day when I came outside,
It simply wasn’t there.

We searched in vain on every street
Within the neighborhood.
We really thought it would show up,
But it was gone for good.

My parents didn’t have the funds
To purchase a replacement.
Instead, they found a clunker
Rusting in somebody’s basement.

My second bike was old and slow
And really not much fun.
The tires were fat, the rims were scuffed,
The count of speeds was one!

I’ve never owned another bike
But cars I’ve had a few;
And one thing I can tell you is
Each one was spanking new!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
August 1, 2013 at 9:52 AM
A tale of woe I also know. Too short we had those bikes. It isn't right to take something just because we like. :( :)
A   Avatar
May 21, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Ilene, , a super nice win;-) Congratulations with your bicycle entry. Have a nice day~PD
Brown Avatar
May 18, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Congratulations on your win in Gwen's "My Bicycle" contest Ilene. Love, Carol
Hunter Avatar
May 18, 2012 at 8:23 AM
Ha! Funny but so sad...heartbreaking for a kid.
Horsman Avatar
May 18, 2012 at 5:56 AM
love this, ilene, yes this runs so true, if we hard gears it was seen as a cut above. congrats of this wonderful entry. harry
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
May 18, 2012 at 2:10 AM
Oh this so reminded me of my husband who had his shiny new chopper bike stolen the first time he took it out Congratulations Ilene xx
Williams Avatar
May 18, 2012 at 1:29 AM
ilene congrats on your win..David
Dietrich Avatar
May 17, 2012 at 8:40 PM
Yes, I remember this cutie. Congrats on your win, sweet lady.
Johnson Avatar
May 17, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Sorry about your bicycle . Glad you can have new cars. congratulations. Love, Joyce
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Perfect, I mean PERFECT cadence and rhyming! A most enjoyable piece. Best wishes, Keith
Williams Avatar
May 1, 2012 at 9:37 AM
ilene, I like this a lot, if for the contest, good luck..David
Onclaud Avatar
May 1, 2012 at 5:23 AM
heartwarming bike story, ilene... you got me!.. winning huggs!
Dietrich Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 8:55 PM
you are so awesome. YOu always tell a rhyming tale so WELL. loved it.
May Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 6:09 PM
I love this poem Ilene...sorry about your bike....best wishes for the contest...Joseph
Kendrick Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Excellent flow and rhythm of this one..Enjoyed the topic and the mood of the work..If for a contest, good luck..Reads like a winner to me..Sara
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