Let Us Finish The Race Poem by Bernard F. Asuncion

Life is comparable
To a sports event in a game;
Like a race, it has both
A beginning and an end.

Similar to an athletic match,
Rules are observed by each player;
All are required with certain codes
Of conduct and behavior.

It closely resembles
A championship bout;
Protagonists aim at a precious prize
By fierce fight, going all out.

While the will to win
In their hearts does dwell;
Many yet fall short of even
Getting close to the jewel.

As in the case of a race,
Some runners stumble;
They even miserably fail
To make it to the golden goal.

Those who get dog-tired
Would withdraw rather;
Caring neither ignominy nor pain
They bring on each supporter.

Losers readily concede,
Thinking they did their best;
They reason not the win or loss
But how they played matters.

In life, we're not mere spectators
But are the playing athletes;
Aiming at the glorious reward
At the end of the race.

While there are similarities,
There are also differences;
The fight isn't between runners and us,
But between us and the evil forces.

We cannot afford to lose
In this crucial contest with evil;
Neither can we choose to retreat
From the spiritual big battle.

Struggle toward the finish line,
For there is no graceful exit;
Amid the din and the pains,
We cannot give up and quit.

We ought to shake off the burden
Of sins right in our face;
Run freely with determination,
Let us finish the race.