The Hurdler

Annual County schools atletic competition

The Hurdler

 

Just fifteen she lined up at the start

Gaze and thoughts fixed on the task ahead

Eighty metres of track

With a flight of hurdles between now and the finish

 

"On your marks" the starter calls out

"Get set"

Bang goes the gun

Eight girls set out for dear life they run

 

'Up and over'

Just three measured strides to the next hurdle

As she crossed the second hurdle

A hand is where

The next pace should begin

 

Five half inch long spikes

Pierce the hand

Her stride goes on

Still keeping her pace

 

She breasts the tape first

Now comes the question
Why did you stand on his hand?

It should not have been there

 

My stride is measured

If I miss the right spot

I loose my balance

And hit the next hurdle

 

My job is to win the race

Not to be nice and ask him polite

To remove your hand please

I won the race and that was my goal

Reviews

[Joltara]

an incredibly powerful poem - wow
so good. so many hurdles we jump in life to 'get over' things.
it is life. run and jump. but people sometimes are the ones we jump from
i am very likely rambling away now but I did like this very much in how you wrote it

[Wild Rose]

Thank you so much for your lovely review Ramble on if you wish
It is a true story > my sis

[Joltara]

I suspected it was a true story

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'The Hurdler'
Wild Rose,
Ah the strength of youth to run with endurance. I enjoyed the image of a young lady whom is dedicated to her sport. Competition is so good for kids growing up. To find out what they like, what they can do. I played a clarinet in band growing up and attended various sports events. I was always amazed at what my fellow students could do...gymnastics too.
Fun poem. A narrative in poetic form. super cool!
Bless you.
Kathy

[Einstein Noodle]

i enjoyed the hurdler's perspective .. and women at that! ... i read some of the responses you gave to reviews so know this is about you sister who is very accomplished ... she must be honored that you write about her ... V4 L1 & 2 are pretty vivid ... ouch! so did someone in her next lane fall? and she kept on going? spiking the other runners hand? ... wow! i would never guess that the hurdles can be so dangerous ... love the dedication and perseverance that you highlight ... and i think this whole things can certainly be read as a metaphor for life in general ... with valuable wisdom to be had .. your sister sounds like a winner ;)
E.

[Paul Bell]

Sort of think the spikes going into the hand was worth an Olympic medal.

[Wild Rose]

Yes five spikes - he wont do that again in a hurry
She made the GB team
And later was involved with the change from 80m to 100m hurdles (1964 ish)
Now she lies in the 10th fastest 100m hurdles
She was a National coach at 20yo

[Paul Bell]

Always great when it's a true story.

[Flowers of Eternity]

Another motivational and inspirational poem, Wild Rose! Love this very much. It is a simple poem but with a powerful message! Thank you so much for the read request! This poem kinda helped me with some of my problems at school! so thank you again!

[Wild Rose]

You can print out anything you wish

[Wild Rose]

She went on to be a GB sprinter Still on the top 10 fastest 100m hurdlers set in 1964

[Flowers of Eternity]

Oh really? That's so cool!

[sette]

i like the poem it emits courage and perseverance. and with this piece i can understand athletes more.

[Wild Rose]

Thank you sette
She practised for hours to get the stride just right
Half an inch out she would hit the hurdle
Mom had to tailor her shorts so that they didn't catch on the top bar