Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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An Ambivalent Scooter Owner. My grandson, Rowan, is now an 'older' five. He has graduated from crawling, to walking, then running, To his present stage of discovering the wonder of wheels! Wheels came into his life vicariously through toy trucks and other play things. Suddenly, one day, he was presented with a small, three-wheel scooter, Which he mastered and controlled, especially on his way to school. Each morning his Dad followed him on his way to the halls of education. He loved and enjoyed his little scooter, becoming bonded. Then, I, his grandfather, contemplated something more 'grownup'. It would have only two wheels, an adjustable handle control and brakes! Well, it arrived in a big box, left unopened until Rowan's arrival. While we were munching on burritos, the box, unopened, nearby. I was explaining a few features about his potential new scooter. Rowan was hesitant, saying he really liked his little three-wheeler, And did not really want this upgrade in his life. One exception became evident when he asked if there were any LED lights. And no, there are no such upgrades on this model. Out of the box it came, now being assembled by his Dad. Gleaming white, large tires, and a fancy brake system. Rowan viewed it with a little less reluctance, Not wishing to betray his relationship with his first love. He stepped onto the platform, handels firmly gripped, And off he slowly, then more rapidly glided onward, Left foot powering the sleek vehicle down the drive. He never looked back, (until he returned), Beaming with a newly discovered joy. No ambivalence now, successfully having taken that unknown step, As we all have done, leaving that familiar past, Gliding into an exciting new, unthought of, until discovered, new world. Frank Maurer 17 November 2025 0335 Hours.