https://hobobiker-prep.ddev.site/taxonomy/term/64/all en https://hobobiker-prep.ddev.site/node/4240 <p><em>Crawling my way up the highest peak,<br /> I wonder if I can do this.<br /> Can I ride my bike up to the heavens?<br /> Or will I die, will my heart give out,<br /> Will I fall off the edge from the lack of oxygen? </em></p> <p>I adjust my height of seat<br /> I mount my metal steed<br /> I pedal up the gentle grade,<br /> I take a breath, I gulp another<br /> I want more but the air resists<br /> I chew some coca, I spit out the spines<br /> Round the pedals turn, ever so slowly<br /> My eyes start to burn, my lungs fight<br /> Focusing on the ground ahead,<br /> Listening to my music<br /> Progress is being made,<br /> My vision becomes smaller<br /> My focus sharpens<br /> Making it to the top is my only thought </p> <p>I miss the sheep dogs attacking,<br /> Three come from nowhere,<br /> The charge shocks me back to reality<br /> I dismount rapidly in fright<br /> My bike protects me from the circling dogs<br /> I throw a rock at the alpha dog<br /> They back away, they retreat<br /> A 4-year-old child chases them<br /> With a bigger rock then mine,<br /> Gracias, niño, </p> <p>I crawl my way up to the top,<br /> I fight, I want to cry<br /> No, too much energy<br /> My nose is running wild,<br /> Drule pores from my mouth<br /> As I gasp for another breath,<br /> I leave it, to much energy to fix. </p> <p>I stop for a rest I have resisted,<br /> The air all seems blue,<br /> Sounds and space is distorted<br /> I wonder if I know<br /> Can I count?<br /> What is my birthday? </p> <p>What is 4 plus 4<br /> It all comes so slowly<br /> I have to go on.<br /> I yell to myself<br /> Pay attention<br /> No crying,<br /> Get on with it<br /> Obediently I pedal on </p> <!--break--><!--break--><p><em></em></p> <p>The top is in sight<br /> I see a truck broach the top<br /> I will make it,<br /> my ribs hurt,<br /> my lung burns<br /> my heart misses it´s beats<br /> I chew some more coca<br /> I drink more water<br /> Anything to get me there </p> <p>I stop for a second<br /> Lungs grab for the elusive air<br /> Managing to ride for 10 meters<br /> I am forced to rest again,<br /> The top is near<br /> I crawl my way forward<br /> The top is here,<br /> Is it really here<br /> Yes, the sign tells me so.<br /> Abra Yanashalla </p> <p>My Relief and joy are mixed<br /> I have conquered my fears<br /> I have ridden my loaded bicycle<br /> To the top of the 15400 foot pass.<br /> The Peruvian beast is mine.<br /> Mine for life, I can live again.<br /> </p> Inuvik to Ushuaia Peru Poetry Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:31:29 +0000 nancy 4240 at https://hobobiker-prep.ddev.site