A Mile on Foot and in Mind

Oh strangest summer day, warm and uninspired,
Through you I zoomed along, reckless on four tires.
Back then I was spontaneous, fresh life in every breath;
Too young to think of years to come, too young to think of death.
And so through blistering tarmac rolled my parent-paid new chariot.
Rather than stop to feel the sun, I dared myself to chase it.
What was that strip of gravel where I fancied I should ride?
That droll dip through the trees where I ignored the country side?
It matters not where impact made my spine the cost of thrills;
I was slowed amidst my speed to learn the joys of being still.
Though no legs can walk me to the waste of hour drives,
I now turn thoughts and dreams to plans, glad to be alive.
And though my body rusts, my only wheels fastened to chairs,
I run faster than e'er before with the time my waiting spares.
So I sit, one summer passed, spared my life to come,
Waiting as I do now, for no reason, 'neath the sun.
To look at its blazed power from within this crippled hide
Is worth more than a million thrills brought on by warm day rides.