The Challenge

We all lined up for the schools big race, Each boy wanting to show his Dad he was the best, I had no Dad to run for, I just followed all the rest. I ran and ran, trying to keep up to stay there with the pack, If I fell and failed again, each one would turn their back, On the kid with spec's who dared to run the race, To show the world he was no disgrace. No Dad at home and no Mum's love, In a house that echoed with emptiness, I needed to run and hope to win, maybe just a place, Forget the loveless life I had, I just hated the disgrace. They had a Dad, They had a Mum, To them that was no big thing, Just to have a hug and maybe a kiss, To me meant everything. To win the race was my big dream, so I tried my very best, I ran and ran, my lungs on fire, burned hotly in my breast, I tripped and fell, I hit the ground, in shame for all to see, When I rose to run, the race was won, by a better boy than me. I walked away, no pat on the back, No well done call for me I tried and failed one more time, It was nothing new to me. Years of struggle were to be my lot, Until I found my wife, She gave me hope to carry on, Through many years of strife. I finally won my race through life and took the trophy home. The race I ran was hard my friend, and now I know just why, I had to fall and rise again, just like my Savior did, He took the scorn and felt the whip in a far worse way than I. Just think, each time you fall,and life seems hard to bear, Remember your Father up above, He is always there. So do your best no matter how hard it may be, Our Lord will always be at your side to beat the enemy. So when the day seems hard to face, To do your best is no disgrace. God will bless you every day, He will give you the victory. Remember this poem when you feel small, Listen to the Fathers call, To win the prize you must get up, Each and every time you fall. © Dave Timperley 2012