In Memory...

Two days ago, I posted this poem directly to the Facebook wall of a dear friend and member of the Boise Gang who made a sudden departure from this life to ride trails on the other side. The poem is such a wonderful celebration, not just of bicycling, but of life, that I felt compelled to share it. Feel the little boy's thrill of zipping down the trail! If you can't remember that feeling, go out and find it! Ride on, Cliffie...

Going Down Hill on a Bicycle
A Boy's Song

With lifted feet, hands still,
I am poised, and down the hill
Dart, with heedful mind;
The air goes by in a wind.

Swifter and yet more swift,
Till the heart with a mighty lift
Makes the lungs laugh, the throat cry:—
"O bird, see; see, bird, I fly.

"Is this, is this your joy?
O bird, then I, though a boy,
For a golden moment share
Your feathery life in air!"

Say, heart, is there aught like this
In a world that is full of bliss?
'Tis more than skating, bound
Steel-shod to the level ground.

Speed slackens now, I float
Awhile in my airy boat;
Till, when the wheels scarce crawl,
My feet to the treadles fall.

Alas, that the longest hill
Must end in a vale; but still,
Who climbs with toil, wheresoe'er,
Shall find wings waiting there.

by Henry Charles Beeching