Poem: the Bronze Runner

Next to the coin collection, this "Statue of a Running Athlete" is the highlight of Izmir's archaeological museum. This statue, which dates to around 50 BCE, was fished out of the sea near a village close to here.

I'm not sure if my poem adds to its beauty, but I wanted to capture it in words.

He runs--bronze athlete--

Laurel-crowned, eyes focused on the

Finish line. He runs,

His arms lifted not

In victory, but outward,

Reaching. One more goal!

Why does he run, still?

Fixed in bronze, his laurel won.

Why does he sprint, still,

Towards some eternal finish?

He runs. Still, he runs.

And I, when I have

Stumbled far from finishing--

Dry dust in my mouth,

Nettles for a crown--

Will think of this bronze runner

Frozen in a moment

Of glory and I

Will get up and keep

Running!

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