I thought I might
go for a ride;
a short, easy spin
to clear the head
remind legs, lungs and heart
what this is all about.
But now
this simple, innocent act
is made political
pitting me against
the full inchoate outraged weight
of hate and spite and bile;
a target painted on my back
fear following me like my shadow
and I wonder when and how and why
we found ourselves
heading down this road
and what could turn us round.