The Iditarod

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

Winding ribbon of snow,
Iditarod Trail is hard to tow,
Blowing wind smacking faces,
As they pick up their paces,
Vying for their pot-of-gold.

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

Full moon at night,
Dogs' and racers' silhouettes in sight,
A picture of friendship is shown by light,
Determination and tired feet,
All dream of resting on a soft seat.

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

As early daylight appears,
Sunlight peeks and gives a smile,
To the teams who have rested awhile,
Knowing they are ready,
Hitting the trail fast and steady.

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

Dogs pick up the scent
Of moose who will not relent,
Stubborn and snorting and ready to charge 
The barking visitors at large,
Annoyed and angry at the barge.

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

Moose behind them and many miles,
The teams look ahead and see 
The deep snow piles,
Feeling hearty and hale,
Bounding over hill and dale.

To Nome!  To Nome!
The mushers are far from home.

Quiet is gone and replaced by shouts,
Of well wishers who have no doubts,
Watching the jubilant winner pass
Under Nome's burled arch in glory,
Making a March headline story.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Ashe Avatar
March 17, 2016 at 3:46 PM
I've heard of this race but now after reading this...I can see the Iditarod! This is quite visual Sonia! Thank you for this vision! :-)
Walker Avatar
March 17, 2016 at 5:18 PM
Hi Walter! This race is quite exciting. It occurs every year in Alaska. Traditionally, there is a ceremonial start in Anchorage, and an official start in Willow where my husband Bob grew up. People from all over the world either participate or observe the race. Thank you for your comment, Sonia.
A   Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 10:31 AM
Sonia, thank you so much for the information. It sounds like an interesting race .. I will have to look it up
Walker Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 10:43 AM
It is an exciting one. People from all over the world participate. You will probably get more information from ktuu.com This is a local tv channel from Anchorage.
A   Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 4:08 AM
Wow, this is freaking awesome.. Love Linda
Walker Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 9:43 AM
Dear Linda, I appreciate your enthusiasm for my poem, "The Iditarod." It was written several years ago when my husband and me lived in Anchorage, Alaska. Currently, we reside in the high desert of Caldwell, Idaho. Quite a contrast. Thank you for the delightful "plug." Have a great weekend. ~Sonia
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