A weight around the neck.

 

The culmination of innumerable hours,

Minutes beyond count,

Opportunity years in the making.

 

A show of strength,

Of guts,

Of poise.

 

How does it feel to battle for that weight around the neck,

To fly or fall,

To finish one length ahead or just a second behind?

 

The breathless moments of waiting,

Tallying the score,

Glory hanging in the balance.

 

How does it feel to have that weight around the neck,

To stand tall and watch the flag rise,

To hear the anthem sound?

 

Is its mass a tie to the ground,

Or a ticket to the stars,

The first of many or a final statement?

 

A weight around the neck.