The Weakest Link Poem by David Wood

I was reminded this afternoon of
The anonymous poem 'For the
Want of a Horseshoe Nail', written
Many centuries ago, probably by
A blacksmith, and mentioned by
Benjamin Franklin in 1758 with
The preceding apt words 'A little
Neglect may breed great mischief.'
Additionally, this quote is nearly
Always used in hindsight. It goes:

'For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
For want of a rider, the battle was lost.
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.'
Anon. We are only as strong as our
Weakest link, as I found out this afternoon.

Not only are the tyres on my bike
A bit worn, but I found out this
Afternoon the cleats on my
Cycling shoes are too, as coming
To a stop I couldn't unclip my
Left shoe quick enough from the
Peddle and - over I went, hip
Hitting the raised kerb, legs and
Bike still in the road, luckily white
Van man nowhere in sight.

Fortunately, not too much damage
To me or the bike, a bit of a bruise,
A bent brake lever, now straightened.
Luckily I fell into the kerb, and not
Into the road with oncoming traffic.
It goes to show that whatever we
Do in life, we are only as strong as
Our weakest link, and it would be
Good to ensure that everything
Is in good condition before we set
Out for the day.
(Always learning life's lessons) .