The finish line

April 13, 2010

Standing at the start-strip, sweat oozing from their skin
Looking to the gun, which blasts a mighty sound
To wait for it is like a long car ride, it lasts forever and ever
Then BANG and GO; the runners go deaf and jump up
5 Off the line then and into the race, running for their lives
Gazelles sprinting from a lion, the pack goes out
The crowd cheers clearly, shouting each name
The men continue their struggle, fighting for the lead
Freedom flows from the runners, as the first lap is finished
10 One runner stands out, out from the rest
Skinnier than a tree-arm, bright blue eyes
As he stays in the middle, watching with hungry eyes
The leader of the pack, whose back is straight and looks and grins
A gruesome grin that makes the hero grimace, black teeth jut out
15 The persevering participant pays no heed, continues his duty
To be the victor, win the entire race for his country
The flame of the Eternal is lit high above, flickering but never going out
The cheers grow louder and higher, as the end seems to be nearer
One by one men begin to struggle, fall from the exalted pack
20 Perilous their plight, dangerous the destination
The blue-eyed warrior continues his plan, working with his revolting rival
Running now with all their might, for the quest of gold
The head of all officials begins to clap; he can see that records will be broken
The crowd rises steadily, rooting for their own
25 Both men tasting victory, look to each other and nod
One will be the winner, one will go home in defeat
The final stretch is within reach; both men reach out with open arms
The hero and his foe race side by side, against the enemy named time
They are going faster than a cheetah could, crushing all their teeth
30 With strong steps they reach, going for the line
Diving and falling, going for hopes and dreams
They tumble to the artificial earth, and look up
Into the head of judges’ eyes, as he yells the fated name
The Kenyan has won once again, our hero has lost
35 His heart cracks and breaks, no breath is left
He has broken the record, but still he has lost
Our hero is defeated, and must live now
With the taste of victory, ever hanging from his lips
About to be swallowed, but always just out of reach.