Not as easy as falling off a bike

Was teaching my girl to ride one today

Her knees and elbows padded, took a hike

To the park where the surface is okay

Firm dirt path shaded by a canopy

Of mature trees from the sun’s wilting heat

She tilted, wobbled, paused for several plays

On nearby swings and seesaw, to the beat

Of workmen on a distant roof. ‘Compete

With those two sisters, show off swing technique!’

She thought, all Machiavellianly,

Then we left them, went riding in the street

Or she did, with me guiding, wide awake

To traffic, parked cars, and health and safety