Some days more than anything I want my old bike back. 

Was it the banana seat? The gripped handlebars? I can’t be sure. But when I became one with this bicycle, when the brightly colored flowers on the seat fueled my thighs — flowers like Goldie Hawn would have worn dressed for the opening of Laugh-In — I was pretty sure I was invincible. Nothing could stop me. Not the gravel of Van Dyke Road. Not even the blare of a tornado siren. They were probably only tests, but that would mean I knew it was a Wednesday, and to be honest, under the summer sun, one day did not differentiate from the other. So when it blared, I double knotted my bumper tennis shoes and pedaled with all my might towards our green house, and I was saved.

My heart shook its head at my legs, saying, “Maybe you’ve outgrown it, but I haven’t. It’s funny how our legs don’t often give our heart a choice. I mounted my new full size, black, three-speed bicycle from Sears. I was faster for sure, but not more confident. 

Three-speeds moved to ten. I listened for warnings now. I knew Wednesdays. Lessons had been learned. 

I opened the Christmas present yesterday. Socks covered in flowers. Goldie Hawn flowers. Filled with youth. Each one a Time Machine. I mount the day and feel the wind in my hair. My heart leading with certainty — just the way I like it! Let’s ride!