As my legs rotate

to propel my stallion

up the treacherous mountain,

my thighs burn,

my chest suffers,

And my head aches.

Why does my head hurt?

Shakily, I grab my bottled water

And I feel instant relief

rush through my body.

It is time

to continue.

As I ride,

I see glimpses of light

peek through the shadows of the trees.

I feel brief moments of warmth

as I ride through the sun patches.

I can smell the summer air,

motherly and giving,

And the birds chirp

to their loved ones.

As I reach the peak,

I feel accomplished

And excited

for what is to come.

What comes up

must come down,

So I shift into high gear.