Anxiety overwhelming my
body, causing me to go completely numb. Doubtful thoughts run through my mind. Endlessly questioning if I am strong enough, fast enough, good enough to run a new personal best. Here I am on the starting line. Inches away from me is my teammate, jogging in place to stay warm, knowing that when the race begins I cannot leave their side. Many teams are lined up next to me, both left and right, in the organized chaos that is the starting line. Puzzled runners disagree with each other, quickly learning one of them is in the wrong starting box. Right in front of us is the starter, shouting at us to do our last run out, for the race is about to begin. This is it. Unfazed faces take three big steps back, vowing to their teammates and themselves to give nothing but their best, impatiently waiting for the race to begin, to feel the rush only X-country can give. Yes, I can do this, I’ve got this. I’m in my zone…… BANG! |
Mary Catherine Graff says, "My inspiration was the feelings I experienced at the starting line of cross country races, specifically my race at the West High Invitational." The editors were impressed by how well the poem worked as an abecedarius. Mary is in 11th grade at Regina High School.