By William Laferriere
I’ve taken such great pleasure
In watching a few of the latest Tour de France
Bicycle race segments.
I’m captivated and cannot help but draw
Upon the many parallels of the peloton
To our extensive breast cancer community.
I dwell on it as a metaphorical gestalt:
The peloton represents the community,
The coaches, strategists and drivers
Our myriad medical teams
The spectators our friends, families, caregivers, & coworkers.
For the peloton serves admirably as a collective body
Depicting a united front and
Represents our community writ large.
The suffering, crashes, heat, crosswinds,
Constant elbows, technical bike issues, losses, wins,
Resemble our many successes, difficulties, setbacks, & colossal side effects,
As we too seek to drive forward,
To survive and prosper
And to enjoy the road ahead of us.
We observe the peloton as the bicyclist’s best weapon against
The many provocative challenges,
Mountains, weather, slick roads,
Incalculable distances,
Pedestrians clogging the pathway,
And represents how
We as a community
Can best beat back our many tests
Trials and travails.
The peloton serves a familial duty
In retrieving & returning the breakaway/lead riders,
It also performs the admirable task
Of recovering those that fall behind, & protects those
Who have tumbled.
The teammates and coaches within
Constantly remind each other
To take advantage of drafting techniques
& of hydration and nutrition’s vast import
For all recognize the significance
Of appropriate fueling, output and rest.
And so we too head towards
The legacy of a finish line
And know that our collective efforts
Are most certainly appreciated,
Respected, admired, and acclaimed.
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