The school bell rings, signaling the end of stress.
I ride my bike, ceaselessly pedaling across the frozen landscape.
I breathe deep, forgetting all but the best.
I reach home, feeling like I just made the great escape.

My hands shake as I know I still have work to do.
I slowly eat, preparing for my trials ahead.
I remount, my face turns a paler hue.
To crew I ride, slowly through the snow I tread.

I reach the rack and lock my bike tight.
The boathouse doors’ silent swing clears my head.
The coming trials... I feel no shame in feeling fright.
I discard clothes, no need for them if I do what I dread.

On a daunting machine I now sit, scared to death.
I won’t die here and now but I always come too close and far.
What I do here lasts my life but costs me my breath.
What happens today confirms what I’ve done and raises the bar.

This is me after the school day ends.
A man who's done too much who must work again.