i went by you yesterday

yesterday i came past you
en route to work

both of us powered
by two wheels
mine 
with saddle, stem,
cranks, and handlebars
yours 
straddling a chair
in which you rested
immobilized - impossible
to know your story
in that brief moment

it was my first ride since
they sawed off 
the top of my femur
hammered in a stem
added the ceramic ball 
and screwed in the socket

i had already cornered 
through the crash site
alighting the embers
of emotions held deep within

but gently riding past you
facing morning’s light
in the quiet curved path
surrounded by greenery
the banks of the deep burst
tears flowed freely
for many long minutes 

it’s still hard to sort through
the melting pot that is my heart

the peacefulness etched 
across the hard-earned lines of your face
stirred the gratitude of relinquishment
of all that i once held on to

the courage emanating
from your still body
seeking hope in a new day
stirred the gratitude of good fortune
each turn of the pedals 
a gift to be treasured

there’s more to come i’m sure
plumbing the depths

and i hope our paths cross again
deep calling out to deep
in wordless exchange

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired June 2022