The Business of Men

I am standing on the porch at twilight, a time when it’s neither light nor dark.

Cold air bites my skin encouraging me to zip my jacket around my neck as

I stare at the steel horse I’ll take on another assignment.

My woman brings a welcome cup and a soft kiss that I will cling to until my return.

Hot steam rises from the cup and warms my face as I take that first glorious sip.

The dark concoction will continue to wake me as I prepare my mind for the tasks ahead.

Leather creaks when I move and my slow steps echo on the wooden porch.

These sounds of comfort begin to deaden as I descend the stairs toward my ride.

My heavy black boots crunch in the gravel and I feel as though the entire world can hear it in the morning silence.

Taking a deep breath I look around to record a brief memory of my home.

My heart quickens as thundering in the distance tells me my brothers will join me in seconds and we will be on our way to handle the business of men.

Adrenaline surges as I try the starter, knowing what the day will bring.

The smell of gasoline and oil penetrates my nostrils when the engine roars to life.

Hitting the throttle hard and loud, I drive forward.

The timing is perfect as my comrades round the corner and I merge in not requiring them to slow the pace.

We face our chores today as one, knowing this could be the day we meet again in Valhalla.

Laura Sue ~c1978

I feel my thoughts when writing this poem are evident in the words of it. This is one of those poems that explains why the men I wrote about are the toughest in the world. As hard as it is for women to love these men, it is equally as easy. They may fight, drink, get rowdy and disappear for days without a word. But they also love with all they have, give until it hurts, and defend those they care for to the death.