A Science Experiment

The proud new owner of a ten-speed bike,
I set off on a cyclist’s hike,

Armed with wristwatch and a bit of math,
to test my speed on the cars’ wide path.

Twenty-six and a half inches proved,
with a minute or so at a reasonable groove

The circumference of the black rubber arc
could be multiplied to my rate since start

Intently bearing down on the wheel’s spinning shadow,
Watching my wrist,the time in a window -

Counting each revolution,flying along,
as feet spun fearlessly, recklessly on.

When much to August’s quirky chagrin,
the bicycle tire found it’s reciprocal twin.

The curve of a blade, a parked snowplow,
threw horse and rider, and creased his brow.

Science’s lesson that day was quick;
not rates or speeds or geometry’s trick!

No, the thing I learned, the physical lecture:
Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

Effecting Change

"Better than nothing", or so they say
because it takes the guilt away;
but each of these artificial actions fail
to divert the engine from its rail:

No 'low-fat' label, no 'awareness-building' post
No 'quality time' when quantity's needed most;
Until we've hearkened and truly obeyed
our current course is firmly stayed.

One who surrenders the full hour each day,
who gives choicest attentions, or the whole week's pay,
sees miracles in flight, Sacrifice beyond word,
And a new heading's set, destination assured.