A great big horsefly.

Occasionally, when riding my motorcycle I get hit in the throat with something flying over the road between me and where I am going.

It hurts like hell. Sometimes I get off at the next good parking lot to get out of the helmet and rub it. Walk around a while and get my wits back. But by all means, stop trying to drive while hurting.

Then i get back on and ride.

On July 29, 2009 I was laid-off a job I had held for 19 years.

It took two days to walk the pain off. But I am riding again.

PS. It's not really part of the metaphor, but as soon as I have income again I'm thinking about getting a windshield.