Cycling Across America in 101 Poems: A Stroke Recovery Journey (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781968548322)

In this moving collection, Michael Obel-Omia chronicles his extraordinary ride from Missoula, Montana, to Revere Beach, Massachusetts, an adventure born from resilience and hope. Each of the 101 poems captures a day on the road: the sweeping beauty of America's landscapes, the unpredictable moods of weather, and the grueling yet exhilarating rhythm of the ride.

More than a cycling odyssey, this book is a testament to recovery and perseverance. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflection, Obel-Omia reveals how every mile pedaled mirrors his ongoing journey of healing after a stroke. Guided by the mission of Stroke Onward, he transforms challenge into triumph, crafting poetry that celebrates strength, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.

"This man beside us also has a hard fight with an unfavoring world, with strong temptations, with doubts and fears, with wounds of the past which have skinned over, but which smart when they are touched. It is a fact, however surprising. And when this occurs to us we are moved to deal kindly with him, to bid him be of good cheer, to let him understand that we are also fighting a battle; we are bound not to irritate him, not press hardly upon him not help his lower self." -John Watson

"Michael's poetry is visceral, and his words draw you into his experiences. He typically writes in a rhythmic, melodic iambic pentameter, holding himself to ten syllables per line. Over the course of our weekly poetry meetings, I had the opportunity to hear him share several of his poems from his cycle across America. One here, one there-snapshots of his experiences. Reading them all together, in order, and in their entirety is an even more moving experience. In reading the entire collection, it was like being on the road with him, perhaps in a side-carrier or a tandem bike where he does all of the peddling, and you just get to be a part of the journey. Join him on the hills, valleys, mountain tops, and careening coasts back downward as you travel across the country on a cycle with friends. Stand alongside him through the challenges, self-doubts, physical and mental exhaustion, internal dialogues, and be at his side to witness the beauty of America, and his greatest triumphs and heart felt friendships. Be a part of the mundane, moments of boredom, and unparalleled wonder and joy." -Jerry K. Hoepner, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Speech-Language & Hearing Sciences department, Founder of Thursday Night Poets-a weekly group for poets with brain injuries and aphasia