Historically a challenging
test of pedal endurance,
Individual stamina seeks
to seize the yellow jersey.
Terrain of mind and body
tested to great heights,
Cornered and plunged into unforgiving
dark chasms.
The highs and the lows
include or gradually exclude,
Anxious for victory spoils
and to secure winning titles.
The golden goodies a
treasure chest of future glories,
Esteem placed on a pedestal
of ultimate adulation.
The feasting and the
fantasy worlds collided for a few,
Falling from grace to whispers
of illegalities and cheating.
Reputations wrenched from
proud leadership ledgers,
Tarnished and greedy peddlers
unchained the mighty.
Uphill motions erased by
the eventual downward spiral,
Chains of events overtook
even the fastest of cycling men.
©Copyright Eileen T O’Neill 23/07/2014
Poets United MidWeek Motif: Le Tour de
France….
http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/poets-united-midweek-motif-le-tour-de.html
Yes it did sadly. Too bad the terrain wasn't enough of a challenge without riding the ups and downs of morality and fame as well.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Eileen. In the days when the sport was a test of endurance, it may have held some interest for me. But now it is such a money-grabbing,pressure-cooker, I dont know how the contestants endure the stress.
ReplyDeleteEver since the Lance Armstrong fiasco, I haven't been able to bring myself to be interested in the Tour de France anymore...
ReplyDeletea very energetic and amazing poem!
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad that professional sports have become so tainted. The spirit of the challenge is no longer enough (for some.)
ReplyDeleteLove your word usage here Eileen
Ah, it is indeed so sad that the reputation of the race has been tarnished. There are so many fallen heroes that one cannot help but be skeptical. An important write, Eileen.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Keith.
ReplyDeleteI have lost all interest.
Good writing, as always, Eileen
Have a great weekend..
x
Or maybe he was a cog in the wheel? Sport like everything these days is money...i am sure that people protected him as he raked in the cash..not that it's an excuse...or fair to those who work hard to be good!
ReplyDelete