Love the one you’re with

Been thinking about a song all day today written by Stephen Stills and sung so sweetly by Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

If you’re down and confused
And you don’t remember who you’re talking to
Concentration slip away
Because your baby is so far away

Each day I’m thinking about my baby (Mary Ann) and all my other babies too. My kids, grandkids, and all of my extended family and friends. It can make you sad missing them or make you glad for all the blessings I have.

But, right now there are two other objects of my attention. (Warning: this could be the 90 degree heat today, mind you). They are Silver and the Joker, my everyday companions on this cycling journey.

Silver is the name I just gave my bike. Its a titanium framed thing of beauty shining in the sun and the closest thing to me day-in and day-out. Its name is a fitting honor for “Silver,” The Lone Ranger‘s trusty horse. This goes way back to the age of cowboys and courage. He would shout, “Hi Ho Silver Away.” and the masked man would beat back all his foes and escape on Silver to save the day. It was awe-inspiring. And, Silver was a big part of the deal. So too, is Silver, my bike, who just seems to get better as the days wear on.

The second object of my attention is the little talisman I have attached to my bike. On day three of this journey, I was starving and looking for a place for lunch after completing the 7-mile bridge on the Keys. The restaurant was closed but I looked down on the ground and found an old Batman toy character, The Joker.

I was immediately drawn to picking it up and examining it, then owning it. It has a button on the back that allows the Joker to extend an arm with a sign saying “Ha, Ha, Ha.” ! Guess that was the punch line. So, it now proudly rides with me on my rear commuter pack. When in a bind, traveling a bridge or just thinking crazy thoughts I go back to the Joker, who is basically saying “I’ve got the last laugh.” I’m still going!

While I have not resorted to speaking directly to Silver or the Joker, there may come a time. All I know is that things are rolling along and I’m counting on my everyday buddies to pull me through. We are a team now – Me, Silver and the Joker. “Hi, Ho Silver and Away!”

Well there’s a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can’t be with the one you love, honey
Love the one you’re with

Author: paulkiczek

Avid cyclist and walker. Interested in writing about life's observations, retirement, pushing yourself in your later years and living a healthy lifestyle. View all posts by paulkiczek