On my bicycle, July afternoon, riding fast.
Not one hundred degrees, but eighty, as a
Thunderstorm moves this way, preceded by
Strong cool winds that sweep things into the
Air and push a solitary cyclist flying along.

I look back and see silvery waves of
Rain not too far behind and coming.
Cars coming from that way have their
Wipers on fast and their lights on.
I am smiling and riding, can’t turn my
Head but quick and back again, in the
Traffic, going this fast. But I glance, see

Trees tossing, birds making wild flights,
Lightning. Only the quickest of glances.
Thunder follows, thrusting, pushing me.
I hear wind and then feel it and see it
Run on ahead, in the trees and bushes and
Dust and leaves and papers. I hear
Rain coming. I ride so fast, smiling.