Archive
07/04/09 - (1)
Dragin' Tail Run/Walk
The Fourth begins, at the intersection of Lake and Waterfront, With a palpably exciting fanfare For the more than six hundred 5K entrants (Including sixty teenagers from the boys' camp), Proudly displaying their bib numbers, On the fronts of their shirts or shorts, And the requisite chip timers, around their ankles.
What a splendid morning for a tribute to physical fitness! The greens are greener, the blues bluer, Heightened to exultant hues of nature's exuberance. Suddenly, all goes silent, reverent, As a volunteer fireman, standing beside the American flag, Sings the "The Star-Spangled Banner," Barely hitting the high notes, by straining painfully.
After that, everything shifts from stasis to full throttle. Walkers, joggers, and serious athletes, from miles around, Make a most impressive showing, As the pack disappears into the countryside. Twice, the extended throng weaves into and out of sight — Mainly lithe, lean bodies, fighting to best fatigue — Before reaching the finish, winning a sense of accomplishment.
Soon, all the bananas and cold bottled water, Distributed outside the auditorium, are gone. Now, the crowd enters the village's most recent history — Another Fourth of July celebration begun, Another race run, not just for the fun of it But to experience, firsthand, the challenge and struggle That are the foundations of this nation's prevailing greatness.
07/04/09 - (1)
|
|||
|
|||
