Bike Bells Demystified (For the Non-Cyclist)

Hi
I'd like to say that
but you see
I am 30ft away
and closing this gap
quickly.

Ding, ding.

A quick sharp ring
a pure brass tone
penetrates the drone
friendly conversation
dogs panting
shoes slapping
cell phone gabbing
or so, that's the plan.

Ding, ding.

"Good [insert time of day]
On your left."
I'd like to say
Hi
but you see
I am 30ft away
and closing this gap
quickly.

How shocking
The jumps and starts
The mutterings of profanity
The occasional outright insults
The deafness
dumbness
blindness
unawareness
That's why I have the bell
but you ain't hearing it.

If you'd rather
really
I don't need to ring it.

It's not meant to frighten
but if it offends
the bell is easily replaced.

Ding, ding
becomes a nudge or a push
or
a GETtheFUCKouttaMYway!
It doesn't really matter though
because what I'd
truly like to say is

Hi
Excuse me
Thank you
Have a good day.