Record heat bounces off canyon walls
stiffling my breath
as I climb

Breathless athletes pass
driven by unseen inspiration
to overcome, do, prove

Legs pushing against pedals
trying, but failing
to reach the pinnacle

Tutu'd cyclists
pass and wave 
as I shamefully walk up the hill

Proof I am alive
but failing
to reach undefined goals

Surpassing all expectations
of maintaining breath
and utility of body

But soulfully lost
reaching to the sky for strength
and finding none

After the race
with feet planted on level ground
hope springs eternal

A new chapter to be written
shedding of "must be's"
to reach the newly defined vision

Reaching for the sky
in joyous communion
lost no more