Twenty One Hairpin Turns

Twenty one hairpin turns, nine mile rise;
the Alpe d’Huez is mightily high.
I made it all the way to my surprise.

I was invited to try it for size;
raise money for cancer research was why.
Twenty one hairpin turns, nine mile rise.

I wondered if I was bicycle wise;
starting at base rising up to the sky.
I made it all the way to my surprise.

About half way I felt pain in my thighs;
I confess on two wheels I had to cry.
Twenty one hairpin turns, nine mile rise.

As I got higher I listened to lies;
they were intent to tell me I would die.
I made it all the way to my surprise.

Yet near the top pain assumed a disguise;
I was so happy I felt I could fly.
Twenty one hairpin turns, nine mile rise;
I made it all the way to my surprise.


Villanelle (19 Lines)
Writer’s Cramp
July 19, 2013