The Reluctance of the Young Runner

The Reluctance of the Young Runner by Edmund Siejka He was a gawky teenager On a high school track team Intimidated by his coach Who exercised almost total control Over him. He was examined Tested Questioned what he ate How much he weighed It became too much to bear That he couldn’t tell anyone you How lonely he felt. Running at a track meet Neck and neck for third place The finish line seemed unreachable His parents, watching from crowded bleachers, Were proud Impatiently calling out his name When suddenly he fell Tripping over some unknown thing lying on the track. Falling, his long legs cascaded over the white lines of the track Colliding with the front runner Who had the looks of an actor And the temperament of a snake. The coach was angry Thick fingers pummeled the young runner’s chest Because he fell The team was disappointed Not so much for him But for the lead runner Who struggled to third place. Facing dismissal from the team An inner smile caressed the young boy’s heart No more coach, no more watching Waves of relief gently cascaded over him Bringing with it A sudden realization That he would no longer Have to hide.