I am a Runner

One third of my life was spent sitting in a desk.

Writing notes, reading books, and taking tests.

I was the one that always tries her best,

taking down teachers for points like a pest.

Nevertheless, I was hardworking, diligent, and more,

passing through each grade with almost a perfect score.

It was all easy until high school,

when the real race began.

First I was the hare, thinking I knew all,

Thinking it would be easy, until I saw my grades fall.

My peers seemed to shine, I felt duller,

And then I realized I just had to try harder.

I began to take difficult courses, putting a lot on my plate.

The race got harder, and I was heading towards a doomed fate.

I began to grow somber; I began to eat less,

I only got an hour of sleep a night; my circadian rhythm was a mess.

I said no to friends, no to family, no to fun, and no to everything.

I was known as a recluse, as that nerd that sits in a corner,

Getting 99’s and looking like a mourner

Sometimes darkness envelops me, telling me I can’t get through it,

Telling me it’s not worth going through this suffering of health and mind.

This four-year race is lasting forever, and I feel like I’m going slow in pace

But I won’t give up, because I know that being slow and steady will win the race.

The finish line has finally arrived.

I was confused, but happy that I had survived.

Realizing 800 people raced with me, I didn’t think I had a chance,

I didn’t think I could advance.

We were finally ranked… and I was number six,

A number encompassing my years of hard work, and sacrifice.

I must confess

that I’m not the best,

but I was still impressed

because I guessed

that I would lose, but instead

I was in the top 1% of my school, I was blessed.

At this moment, I look back at all those years and learned

That winning was not the number I earned,

but the experiences I gained is what I got in return.

I learned determination, perseverance, and endurance,

This is the mindset that can make the difference,

This is the mindset that can attain reverence.

Because in high school, I am a winner to the core,

My success will follow me now and forever more.