The Last Bullet Poem by Bill Grace

At the league meet when Coach handed me the last bullet
I knew I was regarded as lower than whale shit
Having run his system for three seasons and never placed
There was nothing to lose - walking off was not an option
So I let the herd thin out
Then in the last lap poured in everything I had
A fourth place has never been so sweet
A fourth place looser whose surprised coach
Taught a lesson that would serve a life time.