Trial run

Trial Run

For the times he wishes he'd gone
just one stride farther
to make it there,

when he opens his eyes to a scene
of depressed air, morbid cloud,
bronze and silver medals.

For the times spent chasing the man of pole position
breathless and hopeless
and strained,

times that are long and withdrawn expanses
where he is left to think,
what is the point
of burning so hard,
for a race
that feels
beyond his capability...

His gears snap
His drive bursts
and he just has to pull back,
to retire against the rails.

For all these times
all there is for him to do,
as the other racers surge past him,
burning so hard,
chasing the man of pole position,
is to laugh into the air as he watches them whip by,
admiring the way they pursue the dream.