Ode to Silver Steel
Come each morning to star-filled nights,
wandering over countless highways,
black-topped, rutted dirt alike;
in summer’s blistering heat,
to wind-soaked torrents,
I ride my Silver Steel.
Silver Steel is my power,
my source of inner peace.
She clears my head,
steadies my soul,
makes me complete.
We have traveled every mountain,
striving to travel coast-to-coast,
kicking away rocks and dirt,
struggling to win,
because we never quit.
I have taken her to the gates of hell,
and she has braced herself and won.
We have both been bloodied and scarred,
yet, as a good friend should be;
Silver Steel never dies.
Too much pride.
I can’t help but admire her courage,
her sleek beauty, trusted strength.
Away from her she stands with pride,
waiting, almost calling out to me,
to take one more ride.
We have traveled the quiet,
we have prevailed over rocky times.
We have been pummeled by life itself.
Still, we move on down the road,
in search of a peaceful dream;
Silver Steel is my guide.
Throughout the years we have argued,
though Silver Steel never speaks.
She lets me know when she’s upset.
When we take a spill,
I will pick her up,
dust her off,
but she’ll not move until ready.
It’s her way of saying,
“We’re getting bloodied,
scarred and older;
take it easy.
I’ll get us there, just give me my due.”
She’s right, you know.
I take Silver Steel to parties.
With beer and laughter spilling about;
from the corner of my eye,
I spy Silver Steel proudly surrounded
with her friends as well.
We are the best of friends,
almost lovers if you will.
She has taken me to breathtaking heights,
places I thought I would never see.
Each day is an unknown adventure with her,
my Silver Steel.
When returning home,
from voyages we dared take,
I take my Silver Steel,
and gently sooth her inner soul.
While cleansing her figure;
I grin with pride,
as her chrome comes clean,
and her real name shines.
After all,
Harley is my Silver Steel.
*****
Above shot:
Heritage 2004
Harley Softtail