The Ultimate Race

In times of quarantine, where physical activity is limited, I thought of revisiting an old poem I wrote on while waiting on a flight layover. From ancient greeks till today, peoples from all walks of life know the beauty and value of exercise; sometimes as an end in itself, but perhaps more importantly as a means to our ultimate end.

How I long again to feel my muscles stretch,

To look ahead for the ball I seek to fetch,

To the ribboned finish line that’s yet to break,

To the net that sleepily waits to be fast awake.

How I long to have sweat run though my brow,

Weakness, faintness of heart I disallow,

Pushing out weights of iron I’ve trained to plow,

And challengers of the prize I hope to win somehow.

How I seek to run through mountains, 

Swim in oceans, take in the poundings,

Seek inside my mind a treasured place,

Where body, mind and soul embrace.

In the quiet scene of battle I guard my heart and strengthen my will, 

In the defining seconds of the game, I remember my skill,  and rise again with zeal.

The lonely practices, the sacrifices I made,

The friendships I keep and hopes I’ve prayed 

-to never fail, to never surrender,

To keep my character firm in splendor.

However grey the situation can become,

In whatever challenge I must overcome,

I can safely say, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.

Yes Lord, I attach myself to You, the only One. 

The first champion of the universal race,

The only goal worthy of lifelong chase.