We run races against clocks and bosses,
eyes ahead at flickering screens,
deep in code and execution,
where each black second
affects the bottom line,
mano a mano – no prisoners taken,
avatars in real time,
until the clock strikes five.
[PAUSE]
They run races cheering each other,
celebrating achievements not their own,
but others – teaching us
the senses of community, togetherness and joy
to run with friends
high-fiving just being there
with a smile and humanity,
something we have lost.
ml’24
(At the Special Olympics Regional Track Meet – Ottawa, 28 July 2024)