These Wheels Have Wings

Hidden inside a brown box 
A green-framed  
Mountain bike I’d found 
On my birthday 
Glowing as a night star 
My Raleigh; Green Mamba,’ I named him. 
He was fast  
He was furious 
On the road he was amazing 
Hurrah! On me, I’ve found a super friend 
After school I’d ride  
As quick as a cat 
To escape big Vusi 
The school bully who always nagged me  
Some weekends 
I’d ride to the market 
To help neighbors carry their groceries  
I’d take Nandi, my little sister  
For a ride at the park 
She’d giggle delightedly  
And our dog ‘Spotty’ raced along  
When the church bell rang 
Me 
And my friends 
And the missionaries  
Rode our bikes to the chapel 
Singing hymns and camp songs 
Holidays earned me 
Friendships in “Amaqhawe” biking club 
Yet a fractured sheen bone, 
Was a medal of honor 
I’ll cherish forever 
Come rain or shine 
Green Mamba; my ride or die 
I’ll pedal and pedal on 
Until dungeons become lighthouses  
These wheels have wings