It was only days ago that I was “green and carefree”; that “Time held me green and dying Though I sang in my chains like the sea” (Dylan Thomas, Fern Hill, “a poignant and evocative portrayal of childhood memories and the bittersweet realization of time’s fleeting nature”). I knew at the time that the elation would not last; though naturally I did not imagine mournfully that the transition would be catastrophic or horrible for any reason.  But I knew it would not last; that things would change. Forever there has been the adjustment from good to bad, from up to down, from happy to sad. And, in fairness, I recognize that it works the other way too; that is, from bad to good and so on. It’s just the way life is.  We haven’t the capacity to maintain the ideal picture interminably. Nor I suppose would we wish to do so anymore than we’d wish for perpetual sunshine or rain. Life itself doesn’t cling to one direction or brilliance only. Sometimes the shift is mercurial; but most often it is merely a reflection of the two alternatives, a veneer upon which we skate freely and at times capriciously.

Thus it was today that I moved “Under the new made clouds” from that vivid mood of euphoria to what overnight was haunted by ennui, churning thoughts and distressing inclinations. All my rude psychic disturbances and paranoia overtook me and discoloured the once rhapsodic state of mind. Shamefully perhaps the incitement was related to my new Pronto electric tricycle. Albeit a petty absorption in the overall scheme of things, it mattered to me.  It had been a costly acquisition only weeks ago; and now it was like removing a child’s toy on Christmas morn. Allow me to explain.

Several days ago we had determined – by examination of the trike from the rear when in motion – that the two back tires were not “true” or (what I later learned from Bill Barrie Jr of Almonte Bicycle Works) were not “properly seated”. Since discovery of that annoying mechanical miscalculation – and after having struggled for days without satisfaction with Derand Motorsports, Ottawa (the retail distributer of the trike) to address the problem – I have instead retained Almonte Bicycle Works to handle the matter.  Historically Almonte Bicycle Works has been my go-to service outlet. I had thought that Derand would handle the warranty but I was met with a series of excuses and obstructions (being busy, people off sick, not replying to telephone calls or emails), all serious indications to me that tricycles are not their main interest.

I would have asked Bill Barrie Jr to look into the matter from the outset but I was mistakenly of the opinion that he did not deal with electric cycles.  I was wrong.  Within minutes of having clarified that advice I made arrangements with him to collect and repair as required. This privilege of dealing with a local operative whose credentials are impeccable provided me instant relief from my overnight turmoil.