Winning
He was so excited, he just couldn't wait
He'd often check the calendar and reconfirm the date
He was a child of struggles, challenged some would say
Mental disabilities his progress would delay
But he was not to be denied, he knew not of defeat
Because of Special Olympics he was able to compete
When the special day arrived, devoid of any fears
He happily joined the others, a collection of his peers
I heard the starter call their names and prepare them for their race
He gave a wave and smiled at me, joy written on his face
At last when the gun sounded and left them to their fate
The runners all surged forward with their ungainly gait
As they approached the first curve, he was giving it his all
When suddenly without warning I saw him trip and fall
My heart I think stopped beating as I saw him start to rise
And I couldn't stop the tears from welling in my eyes
But then a strange thing happened, two others in the meet
Came back and stopped beside him and helped him to his feet
Together they began to run, well behind the rest
But it didn't seem to matter, toward the finish line they pressed
And holding hands they finished well behind the winners pace
They didn't care that they were last, but that they'd run the race
Since then I often ask myself as new challenges I face
How do I define winning. How will I run my race
1st place in"A Fragment Of Life" contest
Written Jun 22,2011
Bob Quigley
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