the two-wheeled rag

to lubricate the chain

turn the bike upside down
to rest upon its handlebars.

remove the guard.

lubricate the bearings at the wheel hubs

then lightly oil the chain's links

while spinning the back wheel fast by the pedal.

this spinning was unnecessary,

but fun to do,–– a tactile experience

impressing the girls as a clever procedure.

we didn't react to their interest

but we knew about bikes.
the girls knew about attitude and striking distance.

it's those two natural instincts 

which would come to serve them well.
soon, the bike-riders will grow out of date
and the girls will seize the opportunity

closing the distance to introduce themselves.

that’s what's happened, boys.

that’s what's happened, young men.

that’s what’s happened, old-timer.