by Trevor Selbee
We crossed paths as I rode
His narrow legs taking long strides
Never a greater blessing
than to see a road runner while on a ride
In a hurry he darts as I would
Diligent to avoid dense traffic
Slender neck and tail lay down
Until he perks and looks around
On my mechanical racing horse
Pushed forward by strength and will
Never a greater blessing
than to take flight down hill
A spectral observer to the scene
Choked by sooty clouds
Asphalt broken under tons of steel
A green frame twisted, a fractured wheel
As I lay weakly on the ground
His feathers black and brown return to sight
Never a greater blessing
than to be a gracious road runner taking flight
Leonardo Magazine 