The Run

I’m scared out of my mind,
Two mile cross country race,
My nerves are uncontrollable,
It’s indescribable,

It’s the day of the race,
It takes a team to win,
What if I lose this for them?
It’s indescribable,

I’m called to the starting line,
My teammates are supporting,
My coaches remind me of how hard I’ve worked,
I’ve earned this,

A man holds up a false gun,
The shot rings in my ears,
My steps form into strides,
I’ve earned this,

Tap, tap, tap, tap, and my Nike shoes hit the grass,

My feet fly across the ground,
My pink spikes grip into hills,
Any remaining tension fades,
I’ve earned this,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

Wind hits me in the face,
Cold tears stream down my cheeks,
My legs ache,
I push through,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

My fragile ankle throbs,
My breathing comes too fast,
My side hurts,
I push through,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

My mind will not shut up,
I wish I could turn it off,
It’s telling me to stop,
I can’t,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

My ankle threatens to give,
My muscles are cold and stiff,
Maybe I should stop,
I can’t,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

I’ve already finished a mile,
Six minutes and thirty seconds,
Pain is temporary, victory is forever,
I give all I have,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

Three quarters to go now,
My legs are numb from the cold,
I feel like I could run forever,
I give all I have,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

My mind is finally silenced,
I’m in a groove as I approach the finish,
I lengthen my strides until I’m sprinting,
I’m almost there,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

Cheers erupt from the crowd,
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,
I chant that when I’m tempted to stop,
I’m almost there,

Tap, tap, tap, tap,

I’ve passed the line and my tag’s ripped off,
10th place with a personal record,
Thirteen minutes and thirty five seconds,
I made it,

I’m the fifth Charger to finish,
My team congratulates me,
I’m so proud of myself,
I made it,

My energy is gone and I just want to rest,
All that exerted force was well used,
I know I did everything I could,
Victory is indescribable.