A Short Dash

April 15, 2009

Contemplating headstones.
Information minimal.
FULL NAME.
Date born.
Date dead.
In between—a dash.

The race starts with a bang;
               cheers of joy and pain
               pushing you through the gate.
The crowded pack vies for position;
               spikes threaten your calves, elbows your nose.
               Ultimately, you race self…alone.
Settling in to a rhythm, muscles warming;
               preparing for the stretch ahead,
               setting a pace for the miles before.
The course varies, testing entire being:
               strength, will, stamina, mental fortitude
               stretched, pushed, moving ahead, lagging behind.
Uphill sprints, downhill control;
               sand and grass, pine bark and pavement
               pounding up through sinew and pore.
Weather, with you, against you,
               rain on face, wind at back;
               wool socks cover hands in cold.
Home stretch stretching out, every breath
               breathed through snot. Face set
               finish line, heart racing to the end.

It's a short dash—
defining the name
               on the headstone.