That cold October morning, the race was on.

Slender legs men and women runners,

swarmed under clear blue sky at Pentagon.

It was 8:00 AM, the race kicked off with a gunshot,

Rooters, bands, drummers, bells and chimes all cheered the runners.

 

The weather outside was too warm for marathon;

I sloshed through the water station,

Water droplets trickling down my shorts.

 

The red Ambulance parked by was ready to cart off casualties, and

White Red Cross table was set up, injured runners laid on it.

 

The energy gels keept me going.

I drank water to quench my thirsty neck.

The mid-calf strain took me down at mile 18.

I sat down on the tarmac to stretch.

Then, I gently powered through pain 'til the finish line.

 

I heard shout-outs as the blue finisher medal draped around my neck. 

Swelled with pride, I returned the winner's smile to the crowd.

 

I wobbled down South towards the railway station.

I rushed inside and laid on the back seat exhausted,

As the blue train pulled out the station,

And started chugging quietly through the dark