Seeking by Bicycle- Mardelle Fortier

I tried to find you, all through France,

in driving rain. The search led down

dirt and gravel roads, on lonely wheels.

The spokes turned silver in blowing

mist and rain. Cherbourg… Paris… Nice…

Marseilles. From Channel crossing

to the Mediterranean.

I sought you, weeping, humming some of 

your etudes. My favorite captured through

your genius the falling rain. My eyes

scanned castles, chateaus; fairy forests,

dancing lakes. No pause, no rest.

Muscles ache. Bicycle shows wear and tear.

Chopin, let me inhale your intelligence

to create a poem. I vow to hunt forever

in the pouring rain.