A Moment of Awe


A fly settles on my cheek,
stuck in the sweat
of a too-hot morning.

I wave it away. Another lands.
I don’t want to be distracted.

A rusty gate prevents my advance
but cannot block this view of grandeur:
the distant mountain range
hazy after the fire.
Standing rugged and majestic—
immobile on the horizon.

A raptor waits, patiently, precarious atop an acacia.
An agama bobs on a hot rock in the path.
The sun beats mercilessly.
Flies continue to harass my body.

Standing here, I am humbled. In awe.
Engaged in pure solitude—
for one short, hot, sweaty, dusty moment
between flies—

I breathe deeply,
and leave, empowered

I No Longer Need to Struggle!

Embracing an E-Mountain Bike

Sometimes in life, all the uphill battles we face, and all the struggles we experience become personified, normalized, and habitually worn like a badge of honour. In my late 60s, I’ve arrived at such a moment—a time when I realize I no longer need or want to struggle, or at least not as much, and definitely not all the time!

For most of my life, struggle in one way or another has been a constant companion. It was as if I were on a never-ending climb, each step in hindsight, a testament to perseverance and endurance. But now, a shift in my perspective has emerged. I’ve come to understand what drove me, why I was driven, and why I struggled in my life. I have also come to understand that it’s okay to seek and accept help, and to let go of struggle. It’s more than okay to relax and enjoy the ride.

My bike is the symbol of a new journey

Like a trusty steed for a modern-day knight, my e-mountain bike has become a metaphor for this newfound liberation. With its gentle hum and seamless assistance, it whispers a reassuring truth: not all hills are meant to be conquered through sheer will alone. Sometimes, it’s about allowing yourself to be carried forward, with grace and ease. I no longer curse, grit my teeth, and power through every windy, corrugated rocky incline; instead, I can embrace all the beauty of the journey.

My bike doesn’t diminish the adventure—it enhances it! With each pedal-assist, I am reminded that the joy of the ride is not solely about reaching the top/end, but savouring the path that gets me there.

It has become a symbol of breaking free from these chains. It’s a declaration that I have the wisdom to choose ease over effort, without guilt or regret.

In letting go of the constant need to battle, I have found a serene acceptance. So here I am, a seasoned traveller on the road of life, gliding effortlessly on my e-bike. It’s not just a mode of transport—it’s a testament to a life well-lived and a future brimming with possibilities.