Things I think about on a long climb.

I am as old as I will ever be.
Yet I am as young as I want to be.
I am as cautious as I need to be.
Yet I am as reckless as I desire.
I attack life's obstacles with an arrogant grin.
Yet I overcome them with humility.
I live my life with a singular focus.
Yet I enjoy every small moment along the way.
I have brought pain and misery to others.
Yet it was all for the greater good.
I offend others with my careless lack of tact.
Yet I care deeply for those I hold dear.
I am an island alone in this sea of humanity.
Yet I am nothing without my loved ones.
I am the center of my own universe.
Yet I value others much more than I.
I attack my pedals with unbridled rage.
Yet this to me is joy.
I suffer mightily up every climb.
Yet there is nowhere I would rather be.
I am the picture of contradiction.
Yet I am defined by my actions.

I am the cyclist.