3200 Meters
Running at State in the 3200 meter dash.
To me, that warm up run was a breeze,
It was relaxing, just a casual pace;
Stretching, by far, was pure off handed ease,
Now I prepare for the real race.
Time stands still while I watch and wait,
Each event seems to run late;
The time is near, yet I still debate,
Whether to run away or run for State.
Suddenly, my race prepares to initiate,
With this many runners, it’s three per lane;
My anxiety is overwhelming; I nearly regurgitate,
I’ve been told I’m crazy; I ponder if I’m sane.
The gun bellows and commences a roaring crowd,
I know I will win if I have steps of persistence;
But my instinct thinks the only way to stay proud,
Is to lead the rest by an unnecessary distance.
My mind wins and I decide,
That I will earn first not by a chase;
Hopefully, my body will abide,
To follow my mind and win the race.
Six laps complete; I am stuck in second place,
I have two more laps to pass my counterpart;
I cannot wait to see his face,
When he sees me and realizes who has more heart.
On the homestretch, we are side by side,
I am breathing fire and my legs disappear;
Our steps are the exact same stride,
After the infinite wait, the end is near.
I choose to break away, and I seem to fly,
Past the ocean of reliable family and friends;
All I am capable to do is try,
To finish with the gold in the end.
Nothing in the world is worse to see,
Then the string breaking across the chest;
Of the runner two feet ahead of me,
Inside I feel crestfallen, although I tried my best.
While I shake the hand of my counterpart,
He becomes a friend, not a loathed enemy;
For this race, we both had the heart,
I needed him,
and he needed me.
--apotuzak
