2012-07-06 - Rider Down, *m.f

Once again - keep strong Jason - have this ...

GOING DOWN HILL ON A BICYCLE

Henry Charles Beeching (1859-1919)

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, whereso'er,
Shall find wings waiting there.