In rare unguarded moments

you'd see the old motorbikes

side - propped at a kerb

languidly leaning:

 

    Douglas Dragonfly

    Velocette with fishtail silencer

    Sunbeam, Ariel Square Four,

    Vincent Black Shadow. 

 

Everything deeply chromed

from pretty heads

to tippy toes,

Dunlop tyres, de rigeur,

 

and wait for the owner,

the original often as not -

gauntlets, goggles

open face helmet

boots with socks tucked over.

 

Just been to the shops.

"No complaints,

takes care of itself."

understatement you'd accept

with good grace

as the vision like a loping gentleman

slips quietly away.