Boys on Bikes

East Cowes, Isle of Wight, 1956

Only I can see the where and who

The why of me into the furthest distance

As I pedal my bicycle down York Avenue

I see the rain crossing the faraway Solent

Watch white handkerchiefs sail into the wind

Grey Mr Godsland spectacles upon his nose

Welcoming dawn through his open door

The tight bundle binding cuts into his fingers

As he sits sorting papers in Castle street

Filling bags of yesterday’s news for boys on bikes

The stinging wind and rain is free

Cutting my face with cold dark winter

Wrought iron gates and raggity path

Man’s best friend throws tail and teeth

Growling at the morning news upon the mat

Saturday mornings grey ache grind

The heavy County Press smells of ink

Thumbs up for Pompey’s sailor boy

His winning ways taking my breath away

As I pedal past the ‘Vics’ on Beatrice Avenue