Running to Be Me

Always the last to be noticed,

Always the last to get picked,

I was never an athlete,

Not agile, swift, nor quick.

Was told I’m too clumsy;

Told I’m too slow;

Told I just can’t win.

So I learned to lie low.

But, “You want a shot at college?

Is that your dream?

Get good grades, but also

Better join a sports team!”

With trepidation and angst,

I stood in a long line

To sign up for cross-country,

Fears racing through my mind.

Whom am I kidding?

I’m slower than a slug.

Books  – not running –

Are my chosen drug.

I laced up the shoes,

I practiced and run, run run;

Slowly improving day by day

Under the beating sun.

POW! The gun goes off!

I stumble; I sprint;  I sail.

The brisk wind in my hair

As I pounded the trail.

I reach the FINISH line,

Sweaty, breathing fast.

Another race under my belt,

Waiting for the teammates I’d past.

I beat my personal record,

The race stats showed.

Being the best version of me

Has always been my lifelong goal.

The cheers are thunderous

As I accept the prize

For Distinguished Scholar-Athlete,

A bit bolder, a lot more wise.

Took a chance and worked hard

To overcome my fear

Of not being good enough

To improved year after year.

In the process I’ve shown

How much I’ve grown

For everyone to see

This is the best version of me.