When I was
just a young man
I liked things
shiny and new,
as the years
have gone by
I have grown
to appreciate
a speckle of rust,
a layer of dust,
a mottled patina
middle aged me
has a certain penchant,
not for pretty things,
but rather things
that have been cast aside
as useless and obsolete,
tired things huddled
off in a corner feeling like
they've lived a hundred lives,
maybe because I do too?
oftentimes all it
takes is a little attention
to spark a grand resurrection
I've found
these things are
so eager
to tell their stories
and continue their breath of life
inhale tarnished, exhale cleansed
I seek out and smile at
the perfectly imperfect
and bask in
their greatness of character
I don't mind that they've
lived a hundred lives,
for in my heart
they are reborn and
in a sense, so am I.
A little about this poem: I found this 1959 Raleigh bike on Craigslist in the fall of 2014 for $120. The first picture was the afternoon I brought it home. Over the course of next two years, bit-by-bit I restored it (with the help of eBay, many YouTube videos, and the members of a vintage Raleigh bike club). This was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done as now it's a piece of art that can be ridden...and ridden it is, as often as possible.
I hope you're enjoying the poetry! If so, the best compliment you can give is to share my work with others, either face-to-face or online. I appreciate your continued support!
I produce limited edition, handmade poetry chapbooks twice per year. Please visit my website to sign up for my author newsletter go receive updates on when the next poetry chapbook is available!