Race Day

You are quickly out of breath as you slip

Past the bleachers where the fans are cheering

You are at the lead with opponents chasing after

The finish line is in sight, but the race isn’t won yet

There are runners close at your heels

They come from both sides as you stay in your lane

Your breath becomes short and heavy

Your legs feel like rubber of a sudden

You reach within you for the extra energy

That comes with the desire to win, to succeed

And here you are, fighting for your right

To be a champion, a hero in the sport

How you suppose you will look when you get your medal

You reach for the grit, the gall

The strength in the pit of your stomach

Your arms are taught as they help you displace

The air that blows in your face as you stride

Ever so closer to the finish line

And now, you pull with each extension of your legs

The sweat pours off your face, you throw up your hands

And with a final beat of your heart, you hit the ribbon