How to Ride a Bike

Right hand, left hand on the handle bars. Stand to attention. Listen. Your father is yelling again, the sound drifting through the screen door. Your brother is playing video games in his room. You cannot hear your mother crying. Wait for the wind on your skin before you step through the frame of the bike.

Balance, hands on the handle bars, bike between your legs. Strong. Capable of things your father says you are not. Stand up on your toes and raise yourself onto the seat. Admire your control over the bike. You are only getting started.

Place your right foot on the pedal. Lean left with your other foot on the ground. Hands straight. Scooch your butt around, maybe back a little until you're comfy. Do not worry about a helmet. It will not be needed where you are going. Straighten up. Look forward at the road. Ignore the house behind you.

Push forward with your right leg on the pedal. Raise your left leg and place it on the other pedal. Push your left leg forward. Move.

Keep pedalling around and around, into the wind, sun bright and sticky on your skin. Down the road. Forward into possibility. Away from that house and all the screaming.