Roof Rack

Yes, I drove 340 miles today with no stops - and with my new bike on top of the car.

                                                    Roof Rack

                                     We seldom see what we carry there.
                                     Though it may be important, may be rare–
                                     a mattress for a marriage bed,
                                     a baby crib, a brand new bike –
                                     we simply lash it on however we like,
                                     check its shadow in the morning sun
                                     and forget about it until nearly noon
                                     when it starts to hide beneath us.

                                     But if we hear a sudden sound
                                     from above, we fear we might lose
                                     what we love to the littered roadside.
                                     Knots untie and straps come loose
                                     as whatever we do can come undone;
                                     and on this road, there’s no slowing down.