First Place

On your marks, I’m set
to take off down the field,
each step taken, a new day,
another emotion explored
when pen hits paper.
The finish line approaches
and initial thrills turn into
anxiety, endings bittersweet.

Ribbon ahead, arms outstretched,
I burst through the expectations
of others and my former self.
Fear of failure, rejection and perception
turn into pride of accomplishing
that which I hadn’t known to be
achievable. Passions ignited,
I’m prepared for the next race.