Poem by the Dutch writer Jan Kuijper (b. 1947)

CALAMITY

I had a crossbar saddle of my own.

I liked to sit there more than at the back –

great view up front, behind a total lack,

apart from father’s coat, which, feeling prone

to falling, I would cling to without fail.

No need for that up front. Despite all this

I soon fell off: my father came to miss

his firm grasp of the steering when a gale

came swirling right along Marathon Road.

I was bowled over cobblestones: and I’d

soon gained before I knew the other side.

Along that long, straight road no traffic showed

that February morning. Harsh words flowed

(I can still hear them): that’s my last school ride.

To see the original poem, go to here