Comment from Selina Stambi

Excellent

Oh, the author notes are truly gory, Tom. What an awful way to go. How old was he? Did he leave a family behind?

The mood of the lines is almost aloof and dispassionate, making the story almost surreal.

I can't imagine what it must have been for the family to have to find a severed head.

Sonali

hit some sand on the should(er) and careened

saw the skid marks he tried lay the bike down 20 yards ... some words appear to be missing here.

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2014

Thanks, Sonali. He was 61. No kids. Left my sister bereaved and destitute with unpaid taxes, debt, behind on mortgage. She lost her house after that. I think he was showing off to a group of younger bikers who were riding with him. Left a real impression.

reply by Selina Stambi on 06-Jan-2014

I had a feeling there may have been no kids - offspring sober up a man and make him mindfully responsible and accountable. I can imagine the impression he left. The Peter Pan syndrome is ugly and creates only heartache, doesn't it?

His wife must have had nightmares for years. Poor woman.

How is yours, Tom? I am praying for her.

s

reply by the author on 06-Jan-2014

She's about the same. Surgery didn't work.

reply by Selina Stambi on 06-Jan-2014

Tom, I am SO sorry to hear that. Okay, I'm going to be praying for a miracle ... poor lady. Give her a hug from me. Back problems are the very devil.

reply by the author on 06-Jan-2014

Thank you, you're so sweet. I will.

Comment from Green Lake Girl

Excellent

What a frightening end to a life. So sorry for your loss, Tom. I was born without the "thrill seeker" gene. Motorcycles going a normal speed are scary. I can't imagine going 184 MPH on one. "When its prickly arms sheared off his helmeted head." Gruesome image, but very well penned.

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Jan-2014

Thank you Marietta. I never rode with him, because he always scared me.

Comment from ravenblack

Excellent

I'm sorry about the loss of your brother-in-law. Such a picture your poem paints and your author notes. At 184, a helmet really does not help. I nearly lost my uncle due to a motorcycle accident.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you ravenblack. For sure, biking is dangerous enough with out going extreme. Natural selection, I guess.

Comment from twinklepoems

Excellent

Sad poem, good rhyming couplets. I was in Valencia the day before this happened. Death is hard enough for those of us left but mangled or sheared bodies make it even worse. Sorry you have had to deal with this.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thanks you twinkle poems, fir you wonderful comments

Comment from rod007

Excellent

You have my deepest sympathy and commiserations for the loss of your dear brother-in-law. I am not a bike fan and prefer driving SUV, which has saved me on a number of occasions. Those who choose to do stuff like that put their lives and that of their bereaving family on the line, but there is no justification for anyone to die. My heartfelt regret for what happened.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you rid. He was 61 when he died and drove everything from cars, motorcycles, boats, snomobles, and jet skis like a madman. I think he was showing off to younger riders when it happened.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

OMG! Tom, that is so awful, how sad for your mother-in-law! I hated it when my son's had bikes, I couldn't wait for them to get a car instead. At least they are a bit safer. Saying that, I was a biker, not that anyone would believe it now of this old grandmother!! xsx Sandra

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you Sandra, I would mind a Gold Wing road bike, but no Ninja for me.

Comment from Shirley E Kennedy

Excellent

Oh my goodness.
That is such a horrifying thing to happen.
Loss of life is always devastating no matter what the circumstances but the loss of family is heartbreaking and tragic.
I hope it has helped to lay some of this trauma to rest in these thoughtful couplets

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you Shirley. Yes it does. It is amazing how one event can make you relive another.

Comment from Sueellen11

Excellent

Oh what a horrid accident,,, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother inlaw,, my icky tides and I always worry,, but he is not a speeder so that's one good thing,, but riders always say when there us a breath of a rider they died doing what they loved,, not that that is any consolation,, I alway worry when I see bikers on the road,,, again it am so sorry and it is very sad about the actor too,, very sad,, blessings happy new year to you and all your family,,blessings sueellen

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you so very much Sueellen for your kind words and comments.

Comment from Robin Gilmor

Excellent

What a tragic event in your life. His poor family must have suffered greatly.
Why man has a need for speed or thrills is way beyond my understanding.
I believe this happens more that people realize, whatever the means of vehicle used. On target rhyme and form. Smiles, Robin :)

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you so much Robin, my sister still hasn't recovered from that event.

Comment from Capricorn30

Excellent

Sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law, Tom;
Speed kills--it does not discriminate, lives often lost for the sole purpose of fast-paced thrills;
Well-penned rhyming couplets of roadway perils.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Jan-2014

Thank you Margaret, for you gracious words and such nice review.