The Special Race
by DR Varg
One year ago I started training for a big event.
The days, then saw all sorts of straining;
such was how it went.
The motivating factor spurring this, which was a gruel,
was: soon there'd be a race occurring;
held at Colette's school.
I hadn't run a race in ages. Out of shape, was I.
Conditioning needs steps and stages
but I had to try.
The clock did tick, the time was fleeting. How could this be done?
To train my body for completing
this, near five mile run.
Could just two weeks this task be done in? Time frame...it was small!
To train myself for five mile runnin';
two weeks! That was all!
I ran upon a track of oval; each lap--what a chore!
Endurance it was utter woeful!
But to try, I swore.
Around I went. A mile near killed me ! How could I do five?
But perseverance, now had filled me.
Onward, I did strive.
A mile, four laps! ...Could barely run those. I could do no more!
I wondered how I'd ever done those
marathons before.
My mem'ry said, "It isn't
trying!" "Difficult, it's not!"
My legs responded, "That is lying!"
"Five
miles is a lot!"
So 'round I went with muscles balking as each lap was done.
For years they'd done no more than walking.
Now I bade them:
! ! !
The days drew down and I'd succeeded running three miles. Phew!
But 'tween each mile I always needed
t'walk a lap or two!
And then my knee began to aching aft' a lap or so.
My quest, a downward trend was taking.
Persevered e'en though.
Yes, through these trials and tribulations, on and on went I.
...Continued with no hesitations.
...Had to make the try.
Why did this task I just not scuttle? Heed the water's edge.
I'd written Col. Used words not subtle.
I had made a pledge.
I wrote I'd be there and I meant it! Promised that to her.
I licked the stamp and sealed and sent it.
This was, hence my spur.
The days went by. The race drew nearer. Closer came the date.
And how I'd do became no clearer.
Left it up to fate.
I hobbled forth. I sweat. I panted. ...Knew my goal was good!
I took the time which I was granted.
...Did the best I could.
The day arrived. I got my number. Strode into the pack.
The gun went off. Off I did lumber.
Looked ahead, not back.
A minute out my knee was stinging! Not a hopeful sign.
Each footstep was, a grimace bringing.
All did not look fine.
But still, I put each foot before me; one step then the next.
I focused, not upon my sore knee,
though it felt quite vexed.
A short while hence,...was barely going; strength I sought, beseeched.
My legs still moved but they were slowing.
One mile'd yet t'be reached!
Then up ahead, a figure stood there; blurred, it did appear.
This figure, now on that I would stare
till the sight got clear.
Each step I took saw her get bigger. ...Squinted through my sweat.
Then clear became this roadside fig'ure.
It was her. Colette!
She waved to me as I ran by her. She was there for me!
I felt inside, a glowing fire;...
forgot about my knee.
My stamina increased so quickly in this five mile race.
My state was, no more weak and sickly
aft' I saw her face.
She yelled, "I'll see you at the finish! I'll be waiting there!"
Like Popeye who'd now ate his spinach,
I had strength to spare!
The miles went by. Seems, the occasion,
to it, I did rise.
T'was she who'd changed the whole equation;
she was now my prize!
I finished with befitting manner;
her there was a tug.
And aft' I crossed beneath the banner,
she gave me a hug.
I finished far behind the leader
when the race was done
But though... was not a top succeeder,
In a way, I'd won!
Dave Varg
She sent me a card the week following the race.
Press here to see it.
The Inspiration for this poem
Next Poem The Clean Bathroom
