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Notes About The Poem

9/28/2025

Here's a fun Poetry Marathon poem inspired by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) and his famous poem, “Invictus.” I originally published this in my 'Mile 17 Closed and Being Judged' blog post on 9/20/2025.

Each of my Marathon tribute poems is a transformative homage to a literary classic — much like a parody or pastiche. I always credit the original poet and work, and the new poem stands as a creative reinterpretation with its own theme, imagery, and tone.

I have included my Marathon-themed poetry in my Poetry Marathon blog posts since 2019, usually at the end of the blog posts, but I never posted them to my poetry page. So now I'm taking the time to post them to my poetry page.

Fun Marathon Poetry Inspired By William Ernest Henley

Beyond this race of aches and pain
Looms large the struggle to make the grade,
And yet the mental and physical strain
Finds me now and forever unafraid

It matters not the starting gate,
The grueling race will take its toll,
But I’m a marathoner great
I’ll master all to reach my goal

funpoetrypoetsrhyme

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