Racing

By Cliff Lake

 

Racing

 

The final sprint,

The stakes outlined in stark contrast,

The finish in clear sight…

And where will you be?

Where will it end?

 

Can one afford to rest?

Is a break needed,

Warranted,

Is it required?

Or is it the latest sign of a stumble?

 

Oh, the grind!

The constant motion!

The ceaseless scrutiny!

The irregular weave!

A heavy burden…

 

The questions.

The interminable questions.

The incessant review.

A never-ending examination of content,

Of motive,

Of pronunciation.

 

Facts, facts, facts!

The endless calls for verified facts!

Is it not enough to show up?

The facts are what you want them to be!

The facts are what you need them to be!

The fact is –

You said what you said,

That should be enough for anyone.

 

Interview after interview,

They all feel the same,

Until they don’t.

Until the rooms are not filled with friends,

With allies,

With collaborators.

 

Do the skies darken?

Do your prospects fade?

Is your confidence waning?

Or are you tired of the forced adulation?

Or just seen one too many backs walking away?

 

The final sprint,

The stakes outlined in stark contrast,

The finish in clear sight…

And where will you be?

Where will it end?

Will you be facing brilliant white walls?

Or walls of dull gray,

And too near to each other.

 

The final sprint,

And you look so tired lately…

 

Cliff Lake 10/17/2024

Copyright © Clifford Lake 2024

Location: 1100 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL 33480, USA

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