MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

I'm not a biker but....


This morning I read this and was moved beyond words.  I am not a biker, I never will be a biker, and quite truthfully, they (bikes) terrify me.  Reading this made me stop and think - not only about the dangers inherent in riding a motorcycle, but about the people who ride them.  Not always do they look in a manner that makes us feel comfortable and I'm sure most of us are overly quick to judge.  I think maybe, after reading this, I will  be more thoughtful.
 


I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But you didn't see me driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But you didn 't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you stare at my long hair.
But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos.
But you didn't see me cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.
I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car.
But you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain.
But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But you didn't see me trying to turn right
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But you didn't see me leave the road.
I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family.
But you didn't see me. 

Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I WAS JUST A BIKER. 

A person with friends and a family. 
But you didn't see me.

I don't know the author of this, but if anyone does, please let me know so I can give proper credit.


8 comments:

  1. This is very powerful and a great message to all who judge without knowing. I am guilty at times and I am trying to do better. Blessings Dear...

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  2. My dear Andy and I were bikers, riding all over the UK long ago. The leathers and helmets and gloves are to save terrible road and gravel burns if they come off. I never met a biker who judged other people. Too busy living!

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  3. Very moving Mary Anne.... It makes you think twice.... It is easy to be quick to judge. Thank you for sharing. Christine x

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  4. This is very touching Mary Anne.

    Many years ago when doing teacher training, I had a part time job as a waitress, and the bikers were among the most respectable of my customers at the pub.
    Judy

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  5. Terry and I were bikers when he could still ride. Our whole family are bikers, as every guy owns a Harley. We used to ride every Saturday with a group of about 20. That was before EVERYONE had a bike. We got those looks back then. In our area, bikers do some really great things...it's not as stereotypical as it used to be.

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  6. That is very powerful!

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  7. I try to move over a bit in my lane when I see a biker coming along. But sometimes there are crazy bikers who just don't ride safe. We saw a few just the other week popping wheelies on the main expressway. But yes, a very moving poem.

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  8. Jerry and I both are bikers - He still rides I have not got on bike for about 2 years now since I lost a very good friend on her bike ( who was 65 and still riding) somedays I think at approaching 60 I need to think twice but other times I think I need to get back on just to get past it.

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