BIG WHEEL

It hangs there now, in the garage but also in my mind, quickly reminding me of the sweaty kids we once were on those humid summer nights. Rebels on our speed machines, racing and wrecking as the sun set at nine o'clock. A hole in my 'Big' front wheel prevents me from my foll potential of racing and wrecking. I am far too big for the toy, but I will not let that chase my childhood away. My knees hit the handle bars, I make the sweeping turn and feel the burn in my legs. My cheeks flush as evening fades. It's getting cooler, bedtime getting closer, but it's nothing we mind - we are carefree and in the moment. I spin my brother around, and I too am quickly spun. My vision blurs as sweeping green meets the orange sunset. I snap back in an instant and my lop-sided wheel makes a labored turn. Bliss.