Riding double on a bicycle
I can still feel that other kid between my legs
As I grip with my thighs and try to decide where to put my hands

Shoulders?
Behind me under the seat?
Certainly never around the belly

Likewise, I can still feel being the rider
Feeling that other kid behind me
Knowing he is trying to decide where to put his hands
(Seldom her hands, sadly)
And hoping he is paying attention

Two kids, you had to move as one
Whether you were the rider or the passenger
You couldn’t do your own thing
You couldn’t get too distracted
Or you would both go down

No one teaches you how to be a passenger on a bicycle
Like they teach you to ride it
But you learn anyway
On your own

Like you learn everything valuable

As we got older and still rode double
The passenger moved to the handlebars
Less body contact
Important to teenage boys
Although it was harder to steer
Or see

Smoking Marlboros, riding stoned

Riding double
It stops eventually
I did it with my kids later, but it was different
I was in charge, in control

But as a kid it was adventure
Trust, teamwork, danger

All in one trip to 7-Eleven