Making Clay With Dirt and Rain

Summary

The web content is a reflective poem and accompanying commentary that draw parallels between the intimate connection of a cyclist with their bike and the broader experience of oneness with nature.

Abstract

The poem "Making Clay With Dirt and Rain" by Pablo Pereyra, inspired by Gurpreet Dhariwal's work, explores the profound relationship between a cyclist and their bike, likening it to a dance that intertwines the physical and spiritual. It delves into the sensory and emotional aspects of cycling, emphasizing the unity of the cyclist, the bike, and the environment. The poem suggests that the act of cycling transcends the mere physical exertion; it becomes a transformative experience where the rider and the bike become one entity, evidenced by the dirt and scars accumulated during the ride. The piece concludes with a nod to Dhariwal's influence and a recommendation for her poetry collection, "My Soul Rants: Poems of a Born Spectator."

Opinions

The author, Pablo Pereyra, conveys a deep appreciation for the sensory and emotional nuances of cycling, beyond the sexualized view of the sport.
There is an opinion that cycling involves a spiritual connection with the bike and the world, where the rider's soul escapes and becomes one with the surroundings.
The poem suggests that the bike and rider must bear the marks of their journey, such as dirt and scars, as a testament to their shared experience.
The author expresses a sense of mystery regarding the dynamic of who is leading—the cyclist or the bike—implying that the act of riding is a mutual journey.
Pereyra acknowledges the influence of Gurpreet Dhariwal's poetry on his own work and encourages readers to explore her collection, indicating a shared artistic vision and mutual respect among the poets.

A Poem

Photo by Pablo Pereyra (2021)

I better be your bike, Take me to your bed, Give me the best ride of my life. — Gurpreet Dhariwal

Many cyclists I know, Fetichist the object bike. The obvious relationship Of genitalia against the seat, Seat pressing against buttcheeks.

But the cyclist at heart knows, There’s in cycling more than that, More than pressures and vibrations, Giving feedback from the trail.

There are hands and, there are hips, Thrusting the bike, making it turn, There are the thumbs caressing shifters, Lightly firmly, the handlebars pressing.

There’s gasping for air and burning lungs, Pacing the breathing to keep a rhythm, In every breath, the soul escaping, One with the world, the spirit transforms.

Becoming one then with the bike, That if you ask me, it is alive, Cyclist, bike, terrain, and air, All are one thing, hard to separate.

Bike and rider must be dirty, So to prove they went to ride, With dirt, mud, and then some scars, Proving cyclist and bike were once one.

Who is taking who and why, who knows? All we know is that we are moving, A faithful day in which we danced, Making clay with dirt and rain.

The closing lines of Gurpreet Dhariwal’s poem Better Be Your Girl appearing in her collection My Soul Rants: Poems of a Born Spectator and my love for cycling inspired this poem. If you wish to read more of her poems, you can obtain her poetry book here. Even when it is free with Kindle Unlimited, the purchase price is only $2.99.

Making Clay With Dirt and Rain

A Poem

My Soul Rants: Poems of a Born Spectator

My Soul Rants: Poems of a Born Spectator - Kindle edition by Dhariwal, Gurpreet. Download it once and read it on your…