Pedals and Missteps

The chain slipped, cold and loose,

falling off like a bad choice

just when the hill was steep.

I pushed the bike, feet bare on cracked pavement,

watching the light slide fast,

the air turn too sharp,

a cold tongue licking my skin.

Trust broke in a moment—

rust crept in quiet,

sprockets crooked,

a wobble where there was once speed.

The bike waits, still and broken,

reminding me things don’t hold

like you hope they will.