The Race to the Finish

The crowds gape and gawk

As the runners scurry along;

The patter of their footsteps

Rhythmically taps out a song.

 

The runners--all over the place--

Should be working in teams.

But some are a bit disjointed.

At least, that’s how it seems.

 

Many are optimistic

That Team A can pull it together.

It’s hoping to gain greater speed

Despite unpredictable weather.

 

It’s trying to direct its vision

Forward along the route,

And not let the frequent slopes

Cause concern or doubt.

 

Its ONE major weakness,

Which sometimes causes dismay,

Is its trust in the other teams.

Maybe that’s naiveté.

 

Team B is quite problematic.

One wonders how it will succeed

With each member placing more focus

On each individual’s speed.

 

While pretending to move forward,

The team is not looking ahead;

The team members keep on gazing

At the path behind them instead.

 

Popular for being outspoken

And NOT for being discreet,

Some members even suggest that

They’re certain to win if they cheat.

Teams C and D are determined

To keep up with the rest,

Though one's more independent

And the other one's more self-obsessed.

 

These two teams are clever

At stirring up trouble; in brief,

Their presence in the race

Provides some comic relief.

 

“This race to the goal seems endless!”

Some of the runners opine.

Everyone’s starting to wonder

If there’s even a finish line.

(7-10-14)