Bob Quigley Poet Rhyme

A Is For Athlete

When I was in high school, we had mandatory gym
Because it made us healthy, and because it kept us slim
So every day we'd work out for about an hour
Then we'd be told to take a lap and then go hit the shower

I wasn't very good at sports, and really not too fast
Whenever we would run the track, I'd usually come in last 
But in my class there were some guys quite skilled in sports it seems
Some who ran cross country and some on the track team

I remember on one given day while running round the track
Although I wasn't leading, I wasn't too far back
As we came round the last turn they weren't too far ahead
So instead of keeping up my pace I picked up speed instead

My breath was pretty ragged and both legs felt like lead
But my will was strong to beat them, so I just surged ahead
And just when I thought I would die I gave one final burst  
And miracle of miracles, I had come in first

The coach said “you can leave now, you're done for the day”
Then turning to the other guys said “I want you to stay”
Then he crushed my euphoria, so help me, I'm not lying
He told them to run it again, if I beat them they weren't trying

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Fabiyas M V October 15, 2011 at 2:18 AM Congratulations on your big win in the contest! Bob Quigley October 15, 2011 at 9:27 AM Thank you Fabiyas

Harry Horsman October 14, 2011 at 12:48 PM such is life Bob, i know of incidents like this also, i love this awesome poem, i really can relate to it, congrats on your winning in the contest. harry Bob Quigley October 14, 2011 at 2:29 PM Yeah, suspect everyone has had one of these moments. Thanks for stopping by Harry

Carrie Richards October 13, 2011 at 8:40 PM Very deeply felt....the things our teachers, parents, coaches, peers say or do, can sting, and wound and leave a scar to last a lifetime. Bob Quigley October 15, 2011 at 9:28 AM I guess it's all part of the learning curve Carrie

Don Johnson October 13, 2011 at 7:10 PM lovely twist on the bloody end, useless bugger condescends, know the type ...well both times ! Bob Quigley October 15, 2011 at 9:29 AM Thanks for stopping by Don Don Johnson October 13, 2011 at 7:12 PM who lost the done hey....

Linda-Marie Sweetheart October 13, 2011 at 5:10 PM Congrats Bob on a well deserved first place win with this stunning and stirring write luv.. I am a sports nut kinda gal and this is trying poignant... Bob Quigley October 15, 2011 at 9:29 AM Thanks Linda-Marie

Carol Sunshine Brown October 13, 2011 at 3:13 PM Congratulations Bob on your 1st Place win. Love, Carol Bob Quigley October 13, 2011 at 4:57 PM Thanks Carol

Wayne Hill September 18, 2011 at 9:22 PM What a jerk.....your moment of glory degraded. Bob Quigley September 19, 2011 at 12:16 AM Oh well. Fame is fleeting:)

Sara Kendrick September 18, 2011 at 3:20 PM Enjoyed this one..I got a chuckle but then I felt sorry for the writer or of whomever it was really speaking...Creative talent..Thanks for the kind review of my work..Sara Bob Quigley September 18, 2011 at 3:28 PM True story and it was me. Thanks for stopping by Sara

Carol Sunshine Brown September 14, 2011 at 8:35 AM I enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry today Bob. Thank you for sharing. Love, Carol Bob Quigley September 14, 2011 at 10:10 AM Thank you Carol

Steven Cooke September 13, 2011 at 3:48 PM this write brought back memories. why are we obsessed with athletes, giving them huge salaries, when a soldier gets a pitance to risk his life.a strange world indeed. enjoyed the write though. Bob Quigley September 13, 2011 at 4:44 PM Can't argue with your reasoning Steve. Thanks for your comments.