Fistful of steel
Once and awhile I need people to just be human. Yesterday I needed some room for a lane change, and I got the sound of an accelerating engine and a blast on the horn. It should end there, but I am dumb. As he zoomed past I looked over to check for any further information that the driver might have wanted to convey. The big maroon SUV’s window rolled down, and I got the finger and some expletives which were intended to explain his anger. I returned with a volley of filth hoping to convey my feelings about the situation. In the world of winning and losing I know how the situation will end everytime. He wins.
Why did he win? Because I let him get to me. I should have never looked over, and I should have never said a word. Did I think I was going to change how he felt about the situation? About cyclists’ rights? About my safety? About his mother? Looking back now I realize I just helped fill the big happy pool of anger we all swim in.
It’s my fault. I slipped into a funk yesterday, and I didn’t get out in time. When that man decided he wanted to be a part of my day I was ready to let off some steam. I took out my unhappiness on him. Neither of us were really in the right, nobody’s life was in danger, and nobody got hurt. Not a reason to piss on someone’s parade for sure. I wish I could apologize for my behavior. My actions were pointless, and in the end my anger only hurt me. I need to save all that extra energy for next season.
“Calm down buddy, or I’m gonna kick your ass.”
