The Logic of Athletics

He challenged the ice in canyons silvergreen.
He challenged the heat, one hundred plus, to chase
the best of men. He challenged the raving rain,
thunderously applauding. The gladness of the race
was always there, but those who saw his face,
disfigured daily by sweat, fatigue, and pain
would ask, amused, Wherefore marathons in space
and time? He challenged life by trying to run
forever fixed beneath the westering sun,
but certainly he knew, beyond the wheeling sky,
the price and peace of gathering night would come
in time. He challenged those who questioned why:
With every race I learn to live, to die.

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