The Race

They turn with their wheels following
as their tires do the same.
The screeching of rubber
is all that resonates.
They pass each other
as they are passed.
For some it's a win
as long as they're not last,
but for others racing
nothing is good enough
unless it's the checkered they take,
though it may be rough.
Those who reach so far
to be elite, reaching for the sky,
refuse to sit and watch
as others fly by.
They will go faster;
they will turn sharper.
They will make every effort
to go even further.
They will push the limits
in the name of competition
knowing that in this moment
only that must come to fruition.

It may be just a game
for some who play
but for these competitors
they will never think in such a simplistic way.




My wife read some of my newest poems (some I will be posting on here in the next couple of days) and she asked me what they were about.  I thought back and explained to her at which point she told me that was both interesting and informative.  She suggested I make it known to anyone reading my poems where the inspiration came from so that they could better understand what they are reading about.  I will try to do this most of the time, but sometimes I may not (if the poem determines so, i.e. it can have multiple meanings and I don't want to ruin any possible meanings for any individual reader).
As for "The Race," it is about my kids.  During this summer I have been home during the day with them while they are out of school.  We love to play Mario Kart on the Wii.  I was watching them one day and thought how much fun it is just to watch them play and for me to step aside for a moment and soak that in, and from that came "The Race."