The television crews have recorded their features.
Alone with my thoughts, I sit on the bleachers.
The parties have started, the tallies begun.
The fans have departed. The race has been run.
The winners moved on, just a typical day.
Their victory sweet, but I wish they would stay.
They must think it’s over, this marathon race,
but, the very best part is about to take place.
I’m not as impressed with those who run swift,
as with struggling heroes embracing their gift.
There are only a few of us hanging around,
our heartfelt applause barely musters a sound.
Unheralded champions have been crossing the line.
The ones the word “courage” was meant to define.
As I watch them compete, my tears start to flow.
These are the stories that few people know.
An eighty-year old thrusting his arms to the sky.
An athlete on crutches who breaks down to cry.
A Down-Syndrome girl yells, “I made it Dad!”
A blind man with vision like I’ve never had.
A boy with one leg being helped by his brother.
A challenged young family holding on to each other.
A young woman honoring her husband who died.
A handicapped man who would not be denied.
Each difficult step towards reaching their goal.
A chance at a dream where they’re in control.
No trophies or plaques, no interview request.
No pretense of winning, just doing their best.
They won’t make the 6:00 broadcast tonight.
Their victory was merely to stand up and fight.
For those who were told that it "could-not-be-done",
cheers for their triumph, this race they have won.
Author notes
My wife was the "young woman honoring her husband who died." With her own physical challenges to deal with, she raised thousands of dollars for cancer, and did what was likely the hardest thing she had ever done. I was very proud of her as I watched from the bleachers. - Kevin Pace, WordsDoMatter
In a list
- People Stories • next in list
- Sports/Competitive Story Poems • next in list
- My Personal Favorites • next in list
- True Stories • next in list
- Finding Hope • next in list
- Bronze Medal Winners • next in list
A contest entry
- The Best of the Year by Bean Sidhe.
1350 points, ended January 3, 51 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - 17000+ Points for your Best - Effort by Ken-Maverick.
10000 points, ended January 15, 49 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Another ANYTHING Contest!! Trust me its even more Awesum that the last!! by star girl.
650 points, ended January 10, 18 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Celebrate Life! by Filia-Dei.
400 points, ended January 30, 14 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Pre-Written Rhyme Anyone? No Trophies by piccola.
900 points, ended January 28, 30 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Relay For Life Our First One. by CountryCousin.
1750 points, ended March 28, 11 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Make this THE largest Contest EVER on AP [enter, enter, enter!] by Symphony.
18000 points, ended April 28, 1014 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 23 of 23
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Wow, this was very inspirational - what more can i say.
thanks for sharing it with us -
i LIKE THIS A LOT.
I really do like this one and when the contest is over I want to ask you something. -
Wonderful.
This has captured the spirit of all who have entered the race, one not made of Olympic medals but one so important to life. Thank you.
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I remember reading this poem and thinking that it is absolutely wonderful. Perfect for the contest. I entered this contest, but obviously think your entry is far greater than mine. Yours is far more hopefuly and positive, which is probably good.
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this is great. What a lovely tribute to someone you love, too. thank you for the entry. I enjoyed the rhyme very much
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Thank you for sharing a heartfelt poem.
I myself am battling a disability, so your words are encouraging for me on such a deeper level, thank you. Good luck in my contest, and God bless you.
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See what you did
You almost made my eyes leak
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how cool is that
to evoke an emotional response from a reader... wow, I never could do that as an accountant... what an honor it is to be a writer... thanks for reminding me... Kevin
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I love the ending hope and triumph in your poem.
Love, Raneika
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Thanks for demanding that I read this, heh. I'm glad you did.
'would not be denied'
Reminds me of something. Don't remember it too well, but I remember telling them that I will not be denied. I'll leave it there.
This is a massively inspirational poem. The sort of thing I'd like to read if I was actually struggling, rather than my simple being fed up of not making things better than they are. As things are, I'm not struggling, so it doesn't inspire me to battle against my weaknesses (though I'm sure it will). To me, this is a reminder that I haven't even taken part in the 'race' that I feel I'm losing.
What I like best about this is that it forces me to empathise with those struggling. In an actual physical marathon of some kind, in this age, any disabled person who completes it is likely to get some kind of media coverage because of what they achieve. But that's it; because of they achieve. Not who they are, or what they've been through, or what happens next. The prize for them is having proved to themselves that they're worth more than the doctors say or the stereotype allows. It's great that they take part, but it's not so great when they, as people, are ignored and lost behind a social idea of a terrific role model for those in a 'similar situation'.
This poem is amazing. An nice way to read the understanding that the majority of the human race neglect.
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Strong! It flows greatly throughout this poem!
I luv it! Thanks for entering!
I enjoyed reading it!
I wish you goog luck!
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you are very welcome
thanks for your enthusiastic response - Kevin
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This poem has a strong menaing in it, and a string point of view. I admire that in a poet. They're rarely awarded for what they see as a big challenge, while others may be for doing a simple thing. The world is strange that way.
7/10
Bets of luck
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thanks
for the response, you picked one that carries some special meaning for me. I appreciate it - Kevin
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Please put your name in your AN!!!
Having said that, your rhyme is spot on & your hope comes through this piece loud and clear.
Thank you for your entry & good luck in the contest! -
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thanks
for the reminder and the review. I appreciate it vey much - Kevin
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Glorious!
I am amazed at you tender heart, if feel it to be kindred with mine. You write prose rhyme the way I write prose poems in general, eloquent and profoundly inspiring. Except I feel you are so much better.
I love your courage, and faith, God bless you dear friend, I am honored to know you.
~ James ~
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God inspired
we may have differing styles, but our hearts are the same, our messages are consistent, and our love for the Lord shines throughout. I consider every piece a gift from God... one that He has entrusted me with... for me to share, protect, and use to His glory. thanks my friend - Kevin
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Your entry may NOT be in another contest
at the same time as the PO' Contests - -
this is very good i like the theme the whole poems flows beautifully this is very heartfelt
~GOOD LUCK~
*Mystal* -
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thanks
thanks for your kind words - Kevin
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EXCELLENT
A very heartfelt write. Beautiful.
I remember watching a sports event for those with disabilities where the boy coming first, went back to help a fellow competitor who had fallen...it brought tears to my eyes."Unheralded champions have been crossing the line.
The ones the word "courage" was meant to define"
These athletes are definately inspiring...there's more gold in their hearts...than in any medals!!!!
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cool
this was a very cool, memorable experience. I'm glad to be able to capture just a glimpse of the emotion at the finish line. thanks - Kevin
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