The Iron Wind

Motorcycles and metaphysics...

It ain't easy,

Riding the Iron Wind,

It takes its toll,

On those of us who've sinned.

The Iron Wind is remorseless,

Once it has you in its grip.

It might just take your life,

But it's well worth the trip.

When the Iron Wind is blowing,

It howls through your mind,

Your troubles all just fall away,

But you can end up flying blind.

It pares away your outer skin,

Revealing what's inside,

It shows you who you really are,

And sometimes, things you'd rather hide.

Flying through the night,

Riding on iron wings,

Your heart is in your mouth,

But your wild blood sings.

© 2018 The Iron Horseman

Author's Note

The night ride as stress relief!

Reviews

[Heather]

I like this, especially the pairing of iron (a sturdy solid) with wind (an invisible, airy phenomenon). The two contrasting elements work well together and that contrast is repeated throughout the theme of the poem. The use of the word "but" further reinforces this distinction by bringing together two opposing ideas. Well done!

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Heather.

[Onlyme]

Finding haven as you drive at night, relief the stress and gives you rest and fun.

[The Iron Horseman]

Hopefully, yes!

[Madeira]

I love the duality of this write, a passionate write well expressed

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you again, Madeira.

[Nipplegrinder]

I too, enjoyed the contrast of iron and wind. Well done, Iron.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, NG. It's good to hear from you again, my friend.

[송지ፏ..]

Nice, a bit difficult for me to understand though and had to look up a few words and meaning of it.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you.
I assume English is not your first language, so yes, that would make this a little difficult to comprehend, especially as it operates on two levels - the literal and the metaphorical.
I am glad that you enjoyed it anyway.

[송지석 / Ji-Suk]

English is like my fourth language to be honest. I kind of read it literally. It makes for a good fantasy type of writing.

[The Iron Horseman]

Wow! I am seriously impressed that you know that many languages. I only have two!

[송지석 / Ji-Suk]

Oh nice. What languages do you know?

My first language is Korean, then Japanese (kanji, hiragana, katakana), Mandarin, and then English for high school credit.

[A. Kim Spradling]

And I find myself asking.... Hmmm.... Is this "Iron Wind" a motorcycle? I see it as that even if it is not. I have been DYING to write a narrative about a Hero on his Harley. I may still do so. I have not done many narratives... Well, only ones about food, flies, and fleas! It is the "F" trifecta! I digress!
I love your poems! This one especially sings to me. An escape on the Iron Wind is right up my alley!!

[The Iron Horseman]

Hi Belle. Good to have you back.
Yes, it's a motorcycle on the physical plane. But it's also a metaphor.
It could even be your horse if you like!
Thank you, as always, for your kind words, my friend.

[A. Kim Spradling]

Hey, Iron!! Work is busy this time of the year. I did write a new poem last night. It's a bit goofy but I was feeling goofy and wrote it. I know my kids will like it. LOL

[A. Kim Spradling]

Oh, and BTW.... That would be exactly like a ride on my horse!!!

[The Iron Horseman]

Not quite - I doubt your horse can run at 120 mph! Lol.
I will check out your new poem. I like goofy!

[SilverInk]

I really liked this poem, especially how the Iron Wind can be interpreted in many ways. Great job with this!

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Silver. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this poem.
"Flying through the night,
Riding on iron wings,
Your heart is in your mouth,
But your wild blood sings"
I liked the above lines. Perfect ending. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Coyote. I am pleased that this appealed to you. I admire your own imagery tremendously and particularly enjoy your poems dealing with man's relationship to nature.

[Coyote Poetry]

This poem is very good and you are welcome my friend.

[barleygirl]

The title phrase is brilliantly crafted & carried thru the piece with strong sensory delights. I love the blend of naughty yet elevated moments. You've captured the way this can be on an actual iron horse, or as a metaphor in the most imaginative sense. I'm really wishing I'd thought of this . . . I'm always wishing I could capture the way it feels to ride like the wind (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you, Margie. As usual your perspicacity is amazing! You are absolutely right - it was intended to operate on two levels - the obvious and the subliminal! Thank you for your kind words.

[Einstein Noodle]

i bought my first motorcycle in 1967 ..a HD...and have bought or built and ridden them ever since...so i know exactly what you are talking about. ... i am not sure reapeating your title gives the best effect ...i need to come back and read again ... but as i read i wanted more intimacy with the experience ..more of what you give us in the last 3 verses ... i got a kick out of heart in the mouth as it is more like bugs in the mouth many times :}}}}}} the "Iron Wind" is a creative contrast and fits the ride well...i spent a lot of time riding in SD where the wind= always blows ... usually around the 20 miles per hour range ..you ride one way and lean right the whole way...turn around and make the return trip and lean left .. keeps tire wear even ;) nothing like a night ride when its calm and balmy ... just you, the bike and the wind ... boy ...your poem sure sprouts memories ... thanks for sharing!
E.

[The Iron Horseman]

Thank you for this amazing review, Crispy Noodle. It is great to meet a fellow lover of bikes. I have owned well over a hundred bikes, many of which i built myself. I have always loved the way the world goes quiet once you are up over 100 mph! I once had my nose split open from tip to eyebrows from riding all day at speeds over the magic ton on a day that was warm and sunny but had a high wind. That hurt like hell for a month! :D

[Einstein Noodle]

i'll bet it did my friend ... i'd say you have a few more bikes and miles on than i ..but everyone is always and adventure .. rain, wind, shine or snow ;}

[The Iron Horseman]

Lol! I gave up trying to ride in the snow after a 30 mile ride in which I think I fell off more times than there were miles! Fortunately I bounce well. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

;) ........................