Training Wheels

I put the child on the bike.
I walk along side of the child
as the child held onto
the handle bars.
The training wheels were there
but not used, yet.
I let go of the bike
as the child pedal
knowing that the training wheels
would keep the child up
and not fall to the side.
I got on my bike
and rode along beside the child.
We talked as we rode along
about how much it was to ride.
Eventually, I took off
the training wheels
but still held the bike.
I asked the child
if he could make it
without the wheels.
He said I don't know
but I will try.
Without the child knowing
I let go of the bike
and the child rode alone.
But then the child
noticed I was gone
and fell and skinned his knee.
I put him back on the bike
and told him he was on his own.
This time he rode successfully.
I mounted the training wheels
in garage right above
where he stored his bike.
It a memory for the child
and how the training wheels
were first needed,
but now he can ride
through life alone
or with other bikers.