The Race

   Go -

You're going to win

My poles click as I bang the snow from the soles of my boots.

I'm ready -



I climb to the start

Cold air deep in my lungs

I line up in the ruts behind the wand.

Coach rubs my back

You're going to win -



Ten seconds, it echoed through my frost-bitten ears,

Five, four, three and I pushed with all my might,

Throwing my entire body down the hill

Telling myself, You're going to win -



Every gate struck my body hard

Leaving stinging sensations throughout my entire body.

But I was determined, and I kept telling myself,

I am going to win -



The sounds of cracking gates echoed,

As I charged for the finish.

Stepping and skating to get through this jungle,

This jungle of red and blue gates.

I can win this -



Looking ahead, I notice the spectators,

Yelling with encouragement.

My fingers and toes are numb, and my face is stiff,

But that doesn't matter, Acause,

I am going to win -



TWO gates away, ONE ... the FINISH

The clock has stopped, my fingers and toes are warm,

And I am sweating,

But that doesn't matter, BECAUSE



I WON -