I feel so much more relaxed today

Just knowing that spring is on its way.

This morning when I first looked outside,

Opening the drapes and the window wide,

I felt like taking a long bike ride

With my dog, Jake, running by my side.

I miss those rides in the wintertime

But they're not safe in our frigid clime.

It is much too slippery on the ice.

I listened to my husband's good advice.

He insisted it only takes one mistake

No matter how hard the driver tries to brake.

Some days in the winter we've had some scares

From careless cyclists who we think take dares.

They suddenly shoot out at the lights.

This also happens on snowy nights

And, of course, they have no lights on their bikes

Nor have I yet spotted bike tires with spikes.

However, I do look forward to spring

It's great to be able to do my thing.

Go riding my bike down to the river.

Jake comes too and dives after the beaver.

The water's ice cold and does he shiver!

But his breed of dog adores the water.

He's part lab and retriever, a quarter.

The children are starting to play in our street,

A first sign of spring that I think is so neat

And the neighbors are out walking their mutts.

When Dale goes by with his dog, Gus, he struts.

I'll laugh one day if he trips in the ruts

And won't help to fix his scratches and cuts.

It's hard to believe how white the snow looks,

Brighter than the photos in picture books.

But it will take time till the piles melt away

And then I can ride; Hip, Hip, Hooray!

A/N First published Mar. 22, 2015

         Revised Mar. 28, 2018

         Revised Mar. 21, 2019