BY KATHY SCHICK

The adrenalin is flowing, my hopes are high;
Winning the race is what I will try.

Pep talks, good lucks, and "do your best";
I'm sure that I can beat the rest.

The flags are up, lane lines are set;
The glances of onlookers eyes are met.

The judge is ready: "Swimmers take your mark!"
The gun goes off with the flash of a spark.

Off of the blocks, the race begins,
Nobody is sure who actually wins.

Three more, two more, one more length;
Breathe with caution, use my strength.

Stroke, stroke, and take some air;
Go into my turn with extra care.

Off the wall, now I'm heading for home;
Thinking of the race, my mind doesn't roam.

The race is over and all I can hear
The sound of the spectators giving a cheer.

I am wondering, did I win, did I lose;
Of the two, it's the winning I choose.

The announcer reads off the times that were done,
I find out that I am number one!