Commute

First bend, a right turn

Papa

Did you know this is the smoothest part of our ride

We round, the morning still quiet. Our ride together allows us to slowly wake, in unison with the world. We pass a young boy on his way to school. He seems lost in thought, but still has time to wave hello.

The birds are the ones most alert, patterned warblers long since busy. They taunt us, asking What took you so long to get out of bed?

Left turn

Two night-shift guards heading home. One wraps his bright orange neckerchief, readying for the sweaty tro-tro.

This section has a lot more potholes, we need to be careful

Elephant is paying attention to the roads this morning. He is present, awake, noticing. It wakes me too. He perches on the rack behind me, his arms around my waist just firm enough to steady.

He’s comfortable back there. And his arms around me are the best start to the day.

Turn three

Morning workout for our friend. He must be finishing his jog as he bends his arms, touches his shoulders, bends his arms, touches his shoulders. Maintaining his pace, you can tell he does this a lot. He nods hello and smiles. I should probably get some exercise

Fourth turn, a final right

We amble lazily down the home stretch. The sun plays off the leaves, the breeze is welcome. Elephant waves a quiet hello to our usual friends.

They’re happy to see us too.