Second Best Poem by Lee Geoghegan

Giving my best is all I've ever done
Sadly, it never amounted to enough
A lifetime spent chasing number one
As dream after dream went puff

In cycling, I coveted the yellow vest
After a momentary lapse, my foot slipped from the pedal
Adorned with the red ribbon I've grown to detest
Once again I'm tarnished by a silver medal

The big race dawned; it ignited a flame
Time to shine bright in radiant gold
I practiced hard and was on top of my game
Yet another miserable year spent out in the cold

I just can't seem to get over the line
To drink victory champagne from the golden cup
The silver in my cabinet, deemed a failure's shrine
It appears my destiny is to be runner-up

Many years have passed as I've grown to adulthood
Never once did I make it to my golden dream
But my son now stands where I once stood
Except he's got a spark that burns supreme

My youth was a turbulent wave of second-best
It made me feel like such a sinner
But seeing my child now ride the crest
My heart bursts with pride that he's the winner