to Charge ahead Relentless to Cross that Finish Line

to you 

fellow Olympians

we say

Ave!

this rare

in this day and age

opportunity to witness 

heroism 

explain this to me

in the 400 relay

 I cheered 

for a man with artificial legs rather than for my home team  

Or do you know that I got misty eyes 

when I learnt about women 

competing 

for the first time 

in the history of a country 

with countrymen mad at a woman bravery

My wife pointed to me 

that I would choose to rewind some

to see a flawless performance leading to gold

perfection matters

but then I would rewind

time and again

time and again

to see an athlete 

fall or fault

how cruel she said

you like to see them down

No I said

I like to see them fly

stand up

with Fiery eyes 

pursed lips 

clenched jaws

gushing blood out of open wounds

time and again

time and again

to Charge ahead

Relentless

to Cross that Finish Line

to give a heartfelt hug 

to say

"well done" 

and mean it

to those

who took away

your children's chance to chant

the Medal song

spine shattered

spirit unbroken

still  bowing graciously

like sunshine in the rain

smiling with eyes

full of tears 

of pain

not for a medal 

but just

to cross that finish line

to you 

Olympian Gods

descended upon us

once in four years

I bow

I raise my cup

Farewell!

© Copyright Adrian Preda, M.D.