One Stroke at a Time

The starter's sound is echoed in 
the splash of  many paddles  
as a row of tiny boats begin to glide
across the surface of the lake

Left and right and left and right
outstretched arms propel 
each stroke of paddle blades
must make precision cuts 

as man and boat shoot forward
like a well maintained machine
and buoy after buoy races by
until the yellow turns to red.

Left and right and left and right
picking up the pace with every stroke
the end now clearly in his sight
each push must find new strength

for no victory is ever earned
by simply sliding 'cross the finish line,
every race both won and lost  
is fought one stroke at a time. 

august 2004
ŠJanet Reid