city roads

"i had nothing to do today so went on a bike ride. i hopped on my crappy bike, looked at the dead leaves in my basket and set off. i considered going to the park nearby, but then thought that i always go to that park. in fact, i have to ride through it everyday to go to work. so, unexpectedly, i decided to turn left instead of going straight on into the park. the left turn took me down some unfamiliar lanes, which were lined with identical houses. i rode to the end of the road and found myself on a wide triple laned artery, several of which bisect this city. i decided to ride down this artery and see where it would lead me.

as i rode the sun shone down. it's spring now, not too hot and not too cold. the chrome lorries thundered past me, and the busy cars tooted their horns. i rode past shops and restaurants: from little shops selling mirrors to grand shopping centres and small wooden coffee bars to glass and steel fast food joints. i kept riding until i reached a red signal. i stopped and saw a driving range with high green nets. i went to get a better look and maybe pick up some errant golf balls but to no avail: the range was closed and there were no golf balls to be seen. the signal turned green and i was off again.

i continued going again. the artery was straight and flat making riding a joy. buses rumbled past and old people meandered over the crossings. all of a sudden things started to look familiar in a way that they didn't before. i've been here, i thought. i looked up and saw a big blue brother sign. i recognised the building. below it was a subway station. i've been to that station. that's the station were i saw them remove a young girl's body on a stretcher. she was dirty, with the black grime you only find from industrial machinery: the grease between the cogs. i guessed there was an accident. that was nearly 2 years ago now. for a moment i felt lost; without a direction to go. my head was dizzy. then i looked back and saw the straight road; looked ahead and saw it was the same road. the signal went from green to red and i was stuck for awhile; waiting for it to change."