Second Best

Giving my best is all I’ve ever done Sadly, it never amounted to enough A lifetime spent chasing number one As dream after dream went puff In cycling, I coveted the yellow vest After a momentary lapse, my foot slipped from the pedal Adorned with the red ribbon I’ve grown to detest Once again I’m tarnished by a silver medal The big race dawned; it ignited a flame Time to shine bright in radiant gold I practiced hard and was on top of my game Yet another miserable year spent out in the cold I just can’t seem to get over the line To drink victory champagne from the golden cup The silver in my cabinet, deemed a failure’s shrine It appears my destiny is to be runner-up Many years have passed as I’ve grown to adulthood Never once did I make it to my golden dream But my son now stands where I once stood Except he’s got a spark that burns supreme My youth was a turbulent wave of second-best It made me feel like such a sinner But seeing my child now ride the crest My heart bursts with pride that he’s the winner