Self-Portrait in Lycra Skinsuit by Nicholas Bradley

October 16, 2023
Poem title: Self-Portrait in Lycra Skinsuit Poet name: Nicholas Bradley Poem: Riding against time, I am the future incarnate. My metronome feet are wrapped in polyurethane and polyamide, their unyielding soles cleated to the carbon machine. My polystyrene head catches no wind, and my limbs, clad in copolymers, are as dragless as money will buy. Last century’s chemistry dresses me in Day-Glo from prescription sunglasses to baby toes. I am a testament to Progress and Industry. But when I pedal my clunker virtuously to the supermarket, the 1800s toss and turn and blink. Although I’m ready for life on Mars, some part of me pines for horses, the world before combustion. End of poem. Credits and bio: Copyright © Nicholas Bradley Previously published in Before Combustion (Gaspereau Press, 2023). Nicholas Bradley is the author of two books of poetry: Rain Shadow and Before Combustion. He teaches at the University of Victoria.