The Big Race

Riiiiing!

Breaking out of the starting gate late,
those precious seconds are costly.

Other competitors surround me,
trying to finish.
Hustling to pass them,
wet grass squelches under me.

Time is not on my side.

Many are crossing the finish line!
I feel despair.
My legs start pumping.
I refuse defeat.

A last burst of energy
saved for the last stretch,
I barely make it in time.
W-305, history class.
4 minutes, 12 seconds.
I head toward my desk, sling my bag to the floor,
try to catch my breath.

I am not tardy.

by Caitlyn Yoshina
9th grade, ‘Iolani School