Thoughts while on a Bike Ride

Thoughts while on a Bike Ride

I was riding on my bike breathing in gulps of fresh air.
What a glorious day to be alive! When I get home I’ll wash my hair.
I was on the cycle lane beside the motorway
Wondering where they were heading on this cracker of a day.
To their work? To the shops? Catching up with a friend
Who may have some juicy gossip or a broken heart to mend?
Simple things and run of the mill – we’re fortunate indeed.
With food and water and people to love, we’ve everything we need.

Back at home I turned on the box – harrowing to say the least
When the News at One showed scenes of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Now, I am no historian nor political or smart
But I know of the weight of unparalled grief in a Mother or Father’s heart
At the death of a child or children and a shattered family.
Never again to know peace, never again to be free.

My mind wandered off on a tangent and this is what I thought:
I went back to wars and conflicts in which this Nation has fought.
To those who fought for all of us to keep our way of life in-tact.
To keep us safe from tyrants so we will never lack
Our basic right to Freedom.
To savour every day,
To live our lives the way we want,
To breathe in fresh air and ride a bike
Where-ever I want, where-ever I like.
To let us have our say.

‘Thanks’ seems such a tiny word, only six letters and yet…….
As the blood-red poppies fall on Remembrance Day
We will salute you. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.