Winner By a Nose

I was stuck in traffic on the corner of Main and Fourth Yelling in a loud voice until I became quite hoarse. Finally, the lanes of motorists started moving forth. I was headed for the racetrack to bet on a horse. My taxi driver said, "Sometimes life just ain't fair." I answered in agreement and then replied, "Oh, for sure. You got that right. How much is my fare?" He said, "Ten bucks, Mister. That's what you owe." I arrived a bit too late to make a bet on race one, but in plenty time to read the program for race two. I wanted to bet a horse here, who'd previously won, hoping she'd be a winner for me in this race, too. The sleek filly's name was My Sweet Southern Belle. In the post parade I noticed that she had a lively gait, but I was getting impatient to hear the starting bell, and then I heard it ring and they surged from the gate. I knew Belle had been assigned the heaviest weight, but she had impressive breeding, and she wouldn't fold. Her jockey held her back, for it was the plan to wait. I knew Belle was special since the day she was foaled. The favorite took the lead, a determined little dun, who looked strong enough to run all day for a week, but Belle was closing in, and I knew she wasn't done. The other horses' stamina seemed to be getting weak. To the lead went a big gray mare, called Lady's Knight. I hoped Belle could catch that one, but who knows? Belle soared down the stretch like a comet in the night, crossed over the finish line first and won by just a nose! October 10, 2022 Homophone Rhyme Contest Being sponsored by Hat Bueckert