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This poem is a tribute to those who lost their lives and their innocence at the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. 
I've trained for this. Lungs burning, muscles twitching as I close in on the line- 24,25,26. I see them clearly now- My wife, my child- smiling, cheering as they urge me through the echoes of feet smacking pavement, through my tunneled view of the victory line, through my exhaustion, through my pain. I've trained for this. Lungs burning, muscles twitching as I close in on my targets. Thousands! There are many! I can see them clearly now- a woman, a child- smiling, cheering as I slip past and drop my bags. And now I am running through the smoke and through the screams as runners push toward the finish line without legs. I've trained for this. Lungs burning, muscles twitching as I close in on the scene. 175, 176... I see them clearly now- the woman, the child- lifeless, bleeding as they urge me through echoes of feet smacking pavement, through my tunneled view of torment and death and I can do nothing but hold their hand.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




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Date: 7/24/2019 10:27:00 PM
Rachel, you spoke and I had to listen. Got my attention from the start. Powerful conclusion.
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Date: 4/20/2013 10:49:00 AM
Stunning lines. A great capture of breathlessness and see everything in its true colors.
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things