Getting Ready

[ex-myst341.livejournal.com]

I'm the racer poised,
tense in his blocks.
It's been this way for years.
The cramps in my hamstrings
are beyond belief;
my eyes fixed on the finish line
focus into tears;
the bridges of my hands tremble.
I'm waiting for the gun,
the starter's gun.
He has been lifting it into position
for ages; generations
of sparrows come and go,
lining up along his outstretched arm.

-- Al Zolynas