John Watt Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Together For the Long Ride

The perky saleslady looked at my aging bicycle
and asked if I would consider a newer model
something lighter
something sexier.

I told her, "My bike and I have a delicious history -
our past and future have merged into a single trajectory,
we're in this together for the long ride.

"I don't think of her as old, she is 'vintage'
we've been through many miles together -
seen breathtaking vistas.

"She knows what direction I want to go even before I do.
We have scars from the journey but each scar has a story
and every story brings a smile.

"Yes, we're slowing down and every ride feels uphill,
but for better or worse, she's never given up on me -
I owe her the same courtesy."

The saleslady chuckled nervously and said,
"Do you know you sound like you're talking about your wife?"
I got on my bike and said,
"I do".


Written 1 Nov 2020

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Andrea Dietrich August 3, 2022 at 10:26 PM oh, I remember this one now. I am not sure it was in my faves though. I see why you used it, since it was about marriage, and I think the way you ended this one was SO clever. Soupmail.

Malabika Ray Choudhury December 1, 2020 at 4:04 PM Dear John, Enjoyed the poem very very much. I prefer free verse more than rhyme - feel free like a bird, not restricted. A lighthearted (but with great depth) free verse is so good to read! ~ Mala

Michelle Faulkner November 30, 2020 at 7:59 PM I must have missed this one, but so glad to see it high up on the best new poems list - your 'vintage' bicycle sounds like a grand lady, hope you're taking good care of her :)

Krakatoa Kritic007 November 29, 2020 at 2:50 PM If John (or Jane), a spouse (or bike) can bring butt pain and some fools in pursuit of mere bliss think both tools. Most fighters win rounds (one or two). But do they fight to win (for you)? Some might say I’m a blighter. Still, new bikes are lighter! There are good wines that age, but the best wine IS vintage. If courtesy’s a subtle art, integrity’s its dearest part! Life (flat out) can mean bugs in your eye, though you fly! Ride uphill grants a clearer view; this world’s not you!

Krakatoa Kritic007 November 29, 2020 at 2:49 PM Krakatoa Kritic #007 My poem is more a humorous comment on the human tendency toward revisionism (I hope) than a criticism of John’s sly original poem with a twist. A light-hearted free verse 10! I enjoyed it John, though I prefer rhymes! John Watt November 29, 2020 at 3:19 PM Thanks for the visit and the lighthearted rhyme, KK007. Personally, I prefer writing rhymes to free verse, but occasionally the free verse muse runs with an idea. Enjoy your day ~ John

John Hamilton November 23, 2020 at 8:19 AM What a great ride (write) John, thoroughly enjoyed it, and the last line made me smile. Your marriage sounds like mine, we're riding together off into the sunset! Nice to see another win for you! John Watt November 29, 2020 at 3:16 PM Thank you John. It sounds like you and I both won the winning lottery tickets. I appreciate the comment ~ John

Andrea Dietrich November 5, 2020 at 3:06 PM So finally I got caught up. Wow, I am SO behind here!!! I am doing miserably on the strand contests lately. Wish I had a crystal ball for those. John Watt November 5, 2020 at 3:35 PM Haha!

Anitha Jayasankar November 4, 2020 at 2:15 AM This is too good and your words have beautifully conveyed the success of a strong marriage.. just loved reading it.. John. Best wishes to you and your wife and God bless you both with many more years of bonding.. :) ~ Ani John Watt November 4, 2020 at 2:02 PM Ani, thank you very much for the blessing upon our marriage, and for reading and commenting on this verse. I appreciate you ~ John

Jennifer Proxenos November 3, 2020 at 10:11 AM I also think from beginning to end you and your bicycle have had many adventures together, just as your wife and you have had. Be blessed both of you, Hugs, Jennifer. John Watt November 3, 2020 at 11:03 AM You have showered me with many compliments and warm words today, my dear friend. Your words bring smile after smile. Hugs ~ John

Kim Rodrigues November 2, 2020 at 7:06 PM Funny ending! John Watt November 2, 2020 at 8:36 PM Thanks, Kim!

Gershon Wolf November 2, 2020 at 5:22 PM Aw, what a cute ending. Kudos, John! :) gw John Watt November 2, 2020 at 8:36 PM Thanks, my friend!

Connie Marcum Wong November 2, 2020 at 10:56 AM This poem brought a smile to my face John. I loved it! Especially the wonderful way you ended it! A poem so cleverly written. I am adding this delightful poem to my faves! Vintage is the best! Blessings xxoo John Watt November 2, 2020 at 11:15 AM Your comments always bring a smile, dear Connie, and your poetry friendship is so highly valued. Blessings to you this week, my friend, and I hope you enjoy your November. Aloha ~ John

Harry Horsman November 1, 2020 at 10:58 PM Cheeky saleslady, John, but can't fault the wonderful story. I can relate to the poem, having a similar experience with a bike also,,think i have a poem here on soup, called 'me and my bike' stay safe my friend, John Watt November 2, 2020 at 11:17 AM Thank you, Harry. I enjoyed your 'Me and my Bike' poem, reminded me of the joy of getting on a bike and rolling through the great outdoors, something I am still able to do at least once weekly. ~ John

Krish Radhakrishna November 1, 2020 at 10:30 PM John This poem is sheer genius!! very clever and should have been placed higher!! Congrats on your win! fav!! John Watt November 1, 2020 at 11:21 PM Thanks for the upvote, my kind friend. Hope you have a good week and a great November!

Ilene Bauer November 1, 2020 at 1:09 PM a delightful poem, john, which i thoroughly enjoyed! best of luck in the contest - it sounds like a winning poem to me... John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:25 PM Thank you, my friend! ~ John

Andrea Dietrich November 1, 2020 at 9:31 AM I see we switched places again on a winners' list. Last time I had the HM while you had the numbered placement. anyway, for me this is a GREAT winniing poem, John. I think I gotta fave this one! John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:25 PM Well, I just loved your Painting Love poem, it def deserved its #1 placement! Thanks for the return visit, fave, and kind comments - that means more than a win to me. ~ John

Alexis Y. November 1, 2020 at 9:25 AM WoW! John, I really enjoyed reading your well written write this morning. Great analogy comparing the bike to a long lasting marriage. May you have more years together. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:22 PM Thanks for the comment, Alexis. I've been married 35 years and riding bikes longer than that, but this analogy only came to me this week while at the bike store looking for new brake pads. Enjoy your day ~ John

Andrea Dietrich November 1, 2020 at 9:19 AM wow, this is super special!! What an amazing tribute to your bike (um, wife!!!) One of the best new poems I have read today! John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:22 PM Thank you, dear friend! ~ John

Tom Cunningham November 1, 2020 at 4:03 AM Love the verse John, hoping you travel many more miles together. Tom John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:20 PM Appreciate your stopping by today, Tom, I hope so too. ~ John

Mystic Rose Rose November 1, 2020 at 3:34 AM Ah, your poem is full of meaning, and endearing thoughts that can only make her smile, and your bike too, if it had ears. Love it. John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:19 PM Thanks for the comment, Pixie, it made me smile today ~ John

Silent One November 1, 2020 at 3:24 AM Nice analogy here in regards to the bike and a great way of expressing it... You describe a long term marriage perfectly.. Sadly, a lot of marriages are not such an easy bike ride.. John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:18 PM I do agree with you about the sadness. I am one lucky sun of a gun. Thank you for your generous comment, my friend ~ John

Wendy Watson November 1, 2020 at 1:41 AM What an uplifting poem to start my day here in the UK,John. Even had you not concluded as you have, many of us would have read into the story a link to your close marriage. Clever title too! Thank you for sharing your journey! John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:17 PM Thank you for your heartwarming remarks, Wendy. I'm so glad you enjoyed the read ~ John

Jan Allison November 1, 2020 at 1:02 AM an absolute gem... may you have many more years of happy riding! love it John! adding to my faves for so many reason:-) hugs jan xx John Watt November 1, 2020 at 3:15 PM Aw, so grateful for the fave and your beloved poetry support and friendship, Jan! Hugs ~ John