The boy in the shop squats on his haunches,
his sun-struck hand a spanner,
gleaming, precise.

She enters his world of winged helmets and glinting chariots,
the warm air smothered with the tread of rubber.

'Click'-the wheel completes its cycle.

His slim fingers spin the spokes.
He rises, *****, strong, prepares to take flight,
stretches his back, loosens his shoulders,
his neck, and smiles-
"Hi!"

She senses a rush,
feels the heat from the halo of fire that surrounds him.
Unable to hide a blush, she turns,
then finds him beside her, so close
they could have been dancing.

"See you in school?"

She shrugs....   "Cool"    and leaves
with her vision of hope
riding on a shining, spinning wheel.




copyright © Caroline Grace 2012