Bixi

I am still afraid of speed

(Except that, secretly, I find it kind of fun)

It was in our hometown,

Last summer double-riding,

he stopped so suddenly and it made me laugh
I held on tight to his back

In a different city,

We biked tandem in the spring

Cycling aside, not quite in stride

We held hands at a red light

A couple, you and I were

And then, he and I were, too

I have to privilege one memory

And I just cannot choose

Because you are here

Is all over my map.

This city expels you,

Compels me to you

And there’s no way

I can stay here
With you/ without you.

The bus drivers just stopped striking.

But maybe it’s time

I started biking again.