"Tripped Up on the Track"

By the end of April we expect at least a little spring weather--

Some sunshine, blue skies, and breezes as light as a feather.

But the day of our biggest track meet so far this season

Was gloomy, chilly, and windy for no good reason!

The meet was in Secaucus, so we knew there'd be even more of a breeze.

We needed to perform at our best to remain undefeated--we couldn't freeze!

Everyone on the team had to step up to the place that afternoon, myself included;

Coach Kelly had mentioned running three races, but I didn't know it'd been concluded.

I was anxious about running the mile, half-mile, and then the two-mile all in one meet;

I'd never accomplished such a thing, and I know it's definitely not an easy feat.

However, running the mile went smoothly as usual, and I was feeling fine.

I had only a short break before the half-mile began and I stepped up to the line.

The gun went off, and I made a dash for the front of the pack;

I had not gotten far when I felt myself being tripped from the back.

I tumbled forward and landed hard on my side;

The gun went off again, and I tried hard not to cry.

Before the race was restarted, the officials and Coach Kelly made sure I was okay.

I knew my hip and elbow were banged up, and my hands stung since it was a cold day.

I wasn't sure in the moment if I'd be able to still run the race, let alone well,

But I found that I was actually even more determined now, simply because I fell.

I took first place in the race, and first in the two-mile race, too;

Then I ran in the relay to close up the meet, something I never do.

Four races in a matter of about two hours, glum weather hanging over us,

Blood and bruises--but our team came out with the win, so I couldn't fuss.