Burning Daylight

Burning Daylight
by john clare

The century was on as the grand peloton pedaled away
The red flag waved as time was all our friend
We watched and waited for the coming tempo to begin
Who can hold these steeds at break of day?

Through the quiet countryside past the grazing cattle
Not a word was heard as all thoughts were on the road
The hills ahead and the devils abode
In the tranquil valley they steeled for the coming battle.

Suddenly jolted from the wrestling with inner angels
A lone rider breaks from the coiled peloton
The snake of men stretch thin to try and catch on
To the heights of thin light singly they propel.

High in the azure heavens time came down to toll
Wafting among the struggling men he had his way
Taking at will those the price unable to pay
No mercy, no mercy on the cadence lost souls!

But leaning low in the ribbon wrapped drops
One continues upward unfazed by the sly time
The devil chides alongside the hors categorie climb
You are mine! You are mine! I own the clock! Stop!

The clouds move in and darkness obscures the way
Gales and gusting snow freeze to steel the clenched grip
Low goes the sun and the rider begins to slip
Has time and the demons at last won the day?

In a turn of squares in the lowest cog left
Ahead the faint sound of cheering amid a warm glow
Dance! Dance! Upon the pedal dance so slow!
One comes to pull you beyond the rocky cleft!

In the arms at last the rider is held so tight
You are mine! Well done my chosen weak one!
As the tears of victory fall downward and run
We behold the glorious end of the burning daylight!