The lack of oil on the wheels, the lack

of care taken in keeping the saddle polished

and cleaned, dust free, pollution cleansed at least,

not harbouring any germs in which to scurry

around and make the frame collapse

are nothing compared to the sorrow

I feel when I hear the words of the fallen,

Megaphone not needed and it wouldn’t

solve the sobbing down the phone,

“He’s only interested in me for the drugs I can supply.”

 

My own chariot is just as battered and bruised