The Race

 

There’s a woman

on the opposite footpath

20 yards ahead

bag on my back

on my way to school

I'm gaining on her

her lead reduced

pulling closer

she’s eyes ahead

total concentration

passing mabel Kelly's

I’m still gaining

her lead halved

passing Kiernan’s

she in the inner

lane I must step up

almost level a

stride in it

I’m level

pulling to the

front no she’s back level

a slight lead it’s going to be

a photo

the phone kiosk just ahead

back level

it’s a hair’s breath

she’s in front

we’re level

the kiosk

ahead by a sliver

my outstretched leg

I’ve won.

I’ve won.