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It Depends on Whether You're Coming or Going

by Alex Smyth


Someday soon, when everything I have
Is less subject to default
And my phone gets turned back on,

I'm going to buy a motorcycle.
I don't know much about brands,
But it will have wide handlebars
And a long black seat.

I’ll cut the sleeves out of a t-shirt with a knife
And call myself "Old Lady" cause if there was an
Old Man on the scene that's what he would call me.

I’ll fit everything I need into one knapsack
And ask a whole week off from work.
(I'm pretty sure it will take that long
To go out west and back.)

With a full tank, some low rider blue jeans,
And everything revved up to full throttle-
I will become freedom.

As the wind whips around my t-shirt,
No doubt those behind will express
Disturbance at the sight of Old Lady's
Love handles flying on the wind.

But for the ones meeting me head on~
Oh, the look on my face...

05/07/2003

Author's Note: With a nod to B&T.

Posted on 05/07/2003
Copyright © 2024 Alex Smyth

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Mara Meade on 05/08/03 at 12:15 AM

You forgot the cd player with Kristofferson in it... this is awesome!

Posted by Rommel Cruz on 05/08/03 at 01:52 AM

liked this a lot. =)

Posted by Beth K Hannah on 05/08/03 at 04:47 AM

very wonderful imagery!

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 05/08/03 at 04:42 PM

I like the wry sense of humor in this piece. Great clarity and grammer throughout.

Posted by Agnes Eva on 05/09/03 at 05:21 AM

yeah! this has great energy (makes me think of the inspiring beginning of Easy Rider). thoroughly enjoyed the ride ;)

Posted by Thomas K. Hunt on 05/09/03 at 07:03 AM

great read..I want to take that ride

Posted by Charles E Minshall on 05/10/03 at 03:07 AM

Good one Old Lady. Welcome to Pathetic....Charlie

Posted by Jean Mollett on 05/10/03 at 03:55 AM

Hi Alex, Good one, sounds kinda wild & free. if your able, I guess go for it. Long as Ya don't get too wild. Be careful on the motorcycle, hope your wearing protection for your head. I have no use for motorcycles, seen too many people after riding one, accidents. Be sfe, be careful. Peace & Joy, Jean

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 05/24/03 at 02:07 PM

This is fun! A great expression of the desire to just be free, riding a motorcycle into the wind! (Actually at my age I would be extremely anxious! LOL!)

Posted by Anne Engelen on 06/01/03 at 06:51 PM

freedom shouldn't be depending on anyone or anything....gotta get on that ride! Great read:)

Posted by Ginette T Belle on 06/02/03 at 11:55 PM

what a unique and well written poem...one of my favourites for sure...

Posted by Max Bouillet on 07/14/03 at 03:31 PM

Extremely inspirational in an odd kinda way... great poem with a great feel.

Posted by JD Clay on 08/09/03 at 05:50 PM

Is that a bug in your teeth, ya gotta love it. Gimme a chick that can kick start my Harley and I'm in hog heaven. Good stuff, Alex. Peace...

Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 10/06/03 at 10:56 AM

splendid notion of freedom riding her shirt tail off. Happy trails to you Alex.

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 03/04/09 at 04:01 PM

Love this! Congrats on POTD! "And everything revved up to full throttle- I will become freedom." words to live by!! Thank you.

Posted by Rebecca Lin on 03/04/09 at 04:58 PM

This is excellent in every way. Congrats on the POTD!

Posted by Joan Serratelli on 03/04/09 at 05:31 PM

Sounds like fun! Can I come along for the ride?? I love that you equate motorcycles with FREEDOM. Congrats on POTD!

Posted by Maude Curtis on 03/04/09 at 09:08 PM

Great read. When you hit the road stop by Missouri and I'll get on my trike and have your back. Great poem. Harley grandma

Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 03/05/09 at 12:10 AM

Oh! far out!

Posted by Maria Massarella on 03/05/09 at 01:15 AM

This poem had me smiling all day. wind in my hair. throttle tuned to freedom. a wonder ride to POTD!

Posted by Scott Utley on 03/05/09 at 04:13 AM

I wasn't born yet (boy, I'll say anything if I think the opening line is OK! - sick) when your master-piece was first introduced to what I am sure was a very unsuspecting crowd. They must of been Wowed! I cannot find fault in anything else but myself, certainly in your work even if that was what I liked to look for ... fault ... fault-finding? Silly idea, huh? And even if I were an FF, there's nothing to fault with this work. I am bright enough to know you are writing with a pen that numbers view and the mold was broken way too soon for people like me without VIP rooms at Soothebey's to bid. (that's kinda' poetic, huh - dang sad too) ) I LOVE THIS! CAN YOU TELL?

Posted by A. Paige White on 03/05/09 at 05:51 PM

Joyous two wheeled journey into freedom riding face first into the wind.

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