OLYMPIC SPIRIT

Years in training before school
waiting for the time of truth
as you exercise your body
on the scale or trampoline
or peddle on your mountain bike,
take a hike with Lottie
to a holy grail in Florida
near De Leon's fountain of youth
or Cape Hatteras
or flow by the encantadas waves
or go up to the Andes snow
or just swim in the pool,
it's all preparation you know
for the gymnastic competition,
as you accept an invitation
for the best run of your time
in a marathon
or crashing to win the prize
in a triathlon
for bronze, silver or gold
lights up your eyes,
but what is poet yourself
seeking  a miracle told each day
which offers us a surprise
in a moving lyrical way,
we are like enfolded starfish
out of a watery shore
on the beach
as we record what is wise
and go miles within
each for an Olympic medal
with the skill of a whale,
hoping to be gallant
with strength,stamina or mettle
as we will set sail within reach
wishing for our tomorrow's goal
and like Melville's "Pierre''
follow words of a riddled tale
using our voice's preparation
and perception of a God wish
like the spirit of Baudelaire
to receive our back bench reward
when language is set loose
in Gaelic Irish, English or French
as to what is ageless and modern
like Joyce,Auden or Proust.