I have recently read quite a few slices about the importance of being kind and treating people with respect and love. Although I hadn’t planned on writing about an encounter I had with a bicyclist on the trail a couple of weeks ago, I think it demonstrates how hurtful words can be.
Saturdays on the trail are always crowded, especially when the day is sunny and we can feel the first warm breezes of spring. As I was walking with Cyrus I began to feel a little tired, so I decided to turn around. We were stopped since Cyrus had found a delicious smell to investigate. I checked for “oncoming traffic,” looked down at Cyrus one last time to encourage him to continue, and began to turn. I looked up to check for traffic a second time when a bicyclist started yelling for me to watch out. He was barreling along at a speed far too fast for the trail, all the time shouting at me. It seemed he had come out of nowhere! I saw him in time and was not about to enter his path, but as he flew by he took the opportunity to hurl some hurtful words my way…You b_ _ _ _! It wasn’t just the word, but the intensity of anger with which he said it that surprised me the most. It stuck with me for a very long time.
I think the only way to forget this incident is to forgive. Of course, that is easier said than done, but Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s post on The Poem Farm about poems of advice on Friday provided me with just the right vehicle.
Dear Mr. Bicyclist,
Be careful as you ride.
Families and young children may be by your side.
Heed the limit on your speed.
Be mindful of your words and deeds.
Acknowledge your neighbors in a friendly way.
Others want to enjoy the day.
I know he will never see this, but it made me feel better to put it in writing.
Saturdays on the trail are always crowded, especially when the day is sunny and we can feel the first warm breezes of spring. As I was walking with Cyrus I began to feel a little tired, so I decided to turn around. We were stopped since Cyrus had found a delicious smell to investigate. I checked for “oncoming traffic,” looked down at Cyrus one last time to encourage him to continue, and began to turn. I looked up to check for traffic a second time when a bicyclist started yelling for me to watch out. He was barreling along at a speed far too fast for the trail, all the time shouting at me. It seemed he had come out of nowhere! I saw him in time and was not about to enter his path, but as he flew by he took the opportunity to hurl some hurtful words my way…You b_ _ _ _! It wasn’t just the word, but the intensity of anger with which he said it that surprised me the most. It stuck with me for a very long time.
I think the only way to forget this incident is to forgive. Of course, that is easier said than done, but Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s post on The Poem Farm about poems of advice on Friday provided me with just the right vehicle.
Dear Mr. Bicyclist,
Be careful as you ride.
Families and young children may be by your side.
Heed the limit on your speed.
Be mindful of your words and deeds.
Acknowledge your neighbors in a friendly way.
Others want to enjoy the day.
I know he will never see this, but it made me feel better to put it in writing.
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