My bike and I

 

On leaving school I thought I'd like

To go to work so bought a bike,

When I was fifteen years of age

And old enough to earn a wage.

 

My desire was to learn to build,

So leaving Blantyre, still unskilled,

I went towards the River Clyde,

Down the hill to the river side,

 

Where David Livingstone was born,

Then o'er the footbridge every morn'.

Onward I climbed the other side

And made my way to Tannochside,

 

Where building work had just begun.

I worked o'er there till day was done,

Came back home a similar way,

My bike and I each working day.

 

To me my bike became a friend.

More time together we would spend,

When not at work and free to go

Where e're we wanted, to and fro'.

 

Going across the Fenwick Moor,

Reaching the Ayrshire coast was sure.

Wind in my face or at my back

We went far off the beaten track,

 

Travelling through the countryside,

Keeping close to the River Clyde,

On to Lanark tracing its course,

Into the hills to seek its source.

 

On again to reach Wanlockhead

High in the Lowther Hills ahead

Where lead was mined in years gone by,

Now gold is panned; well worth a try.

 

The firth of Clyde; a sight to see,

As river merges with the sea,

A place my bike and I could go

To feel the gentle breezes blow.

 

We watched as many sailed their yachts,

And on we went with happy thoughts

To visit Gare Loch and Loch Long,

Then over land humming a song,

 

To the loch by yon bonnie braes,

Loch Lomond where we'd stop and gaze,

Then cycle by its bonnie banks

To go back home, heart full of thanks.

 

Racing my bike was not for me,

But touring Scotland roaming free,

Exploring every country lane,

In sunshine, wind and even rain.

 

From Blantyre down to Gretna Green,

Or going north to Aberdeen,

We saw so many Scottish towns,

And heard so many country sounds.

 

That freedom with my two wheeled friend

Is something I can recommend,

And many more should really try

The joy we had, my Bike and I.