APRIL 15, 2005

'TIS THE NIGHT BEFORE LAUNCHING

'Tis the night before launching and all through this place,
There is wond'ring and planning and packing suitcase.

The bike is all polished and serviced with care,
In hopes that the journey will treat it quite fair.

I ran through the checklist and did it again,
Making certain I covered the what ifs, and then

I loaded the bike with the bags and such stuff
'Til I'm positive there must be just quite enough

To keep me quite warm and quite dry and alive
Until at my targets I'll surely arrive.

Adventures are waiting for all of us - true;
And they're there for the taking by me and by you.

They're like Texas, you know, so sweet and so fine:
And like Texas: they're all just a grand state of mind.

So, I launch in the morning when sun's early rays
Announce the beginning of venturesome days.

And I reckon I'll wonder as yonder roads call,
How lucky I am to be riding at all.

But I won't look behind nor question my place;
I'll just motor along - enjoy life at my pace.

It's time to hit the road.

g