Poetry by Philip M. Williams

Song to the Stadium Stair Climber

Drag, oh stair climber, those heavy legs.
Let burn, those lungs, each deep drawn breath.
Look down upon each concrete tread that begs
The failing will to quit. But nay, that's death
To high achievement. Up, up, up!
Oh climb another riser. Once more
Again. Each brings thee close to sup
With ancient heroes. Feel the muscles sore,
As players in the field, as runners on
The long gone cinder track. Let soar
The beating heart. The whistling breath, in song
To endless pain, will gain the greatest height.
And when you heave your failing body, right
Next the colonnade, behold the sight.

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