Noticing

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Do you sometimes miss what’s around you?

Often I bike without really looking.
I watch road conditions, traffic,
See what’s around
And mostly concentrate on
Moving down the road / trail.

Single-focused has its merits,
But can shut out unexpected delights.

Possibly because I was riding
Different routes,
Avoiding water-blocked East Trail
I wandered through some town areas
Just looking.

Acquainting myself, or at least
Passing through attractive areas,
Delighting in fresh sights:
Yards, pots, trellises holding bright blooms.

Then I came to Pedestrian /
Bike Roundabout Tunnels,
Underneath highway-level vehicle roundabout..

These tunnels have been painted
With big, gorgeous murals.
Works of art on tunnel walls!

I circled through tunnels—several revolutions
Taking in subjects, colors, beauty.
By artist Adam Turman.

A shout-out for careful
Tunnel engineering.
Trail surfaces were completely dry!

In this time of heavy rains, 
With so many places of flooding,
Dry pathways demonstrate 
Attention given to these 
Areas for safe riding.
Wonderful.

In coming week I’ll be appreciating new rides, 
Having “noticing” be my purpose.
A good bicycle week!

Hugs,
Lin

Limerick:

My bike ride turn’d into sightseeing.
With viewing that prompted wellbeing.
With colors intense,
On murals immense,
A true rush of Joy guaranteeing.