No Lone Runners Poem by Cassandra Boyd

You take your first breath, your training begins.
Your growth determines your stamina within.
You start to run at a pace that’s slow and steady,
Rest a minute, walk a little, sprint when you’re ready.

Accelerate the pace as you head around the bin,
the baton that you pass inspires
your parent, your child, your friend.

As you persevere in the race your eyes are always on watch
for someone else’s life you can possibly touch.
When you pass them the baton for them to carry on,
your only hope is that it’s not compassion they will lack,
but you’re trusting that they have a desire to give back.

This race is not for you to run alone,
but to motivate others to do as you have done.
To receive only medals that praise and magnify
your strength and generosity in this race called life.

When your race is done, what will people say?
Have you touched anyone in a profound way?
Were you a lone runner, a team player or an MVP?
What do you think your epitaph will read?