Sometimes, I just need to hit the trails Ride them as far as they go Pedaling furiously and Cornering sloppily, Dangerously close to tree trunks Sometimes, I just need to fall Tires spinning out in Loose soil Stinging scrapes and bruises remind me That I am human My head hits a root and reminds me That the woods are real And I am so glad to be wearing a helmet But it’s all worth it, because Sometimes, I just need to flow Get in that headspace where time Melts away And I become fluid and smooth Even if the ground below me is anything but Arms and legs extending as I stand, My bike far beneath me, I am removed from the harrowing descent So I can enjoy the wind in my face And just pump it out And it’s me And the silence of the woods And whatever fast-paced rock Is playing tinnily through one earbud My heartbeat falling into pace with the drums And sometimes I just need to push Until my legs burn And my body is on fire And my head is spinning, My breathing ragged, And I am consumed with a good kind of pain Because Sometimes, I just need to hit the trails