Nine Gold Medals

(David Roth)



The athletes had come from all over the country

To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze

Many the weeks and the months of their training

And all coming down to these games



The spectators gathered around the old field

For cheering on all the young women and men

The final event of the day was approaching

Excitement grew high to begin



The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them

The hundred yard dash was the race to be run

There were nine resolved athletes in back of the starting line

Poised for the sound of the gun



The signal was given, the pistol exploded

And so did the runners all charging ahead

But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered

And fell to the asphalt instead



He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish

His dreams and his efforts all dashed in the dirt

But as sure as I'm standing here telling this story

The same goes for what next occurred



The eight other runners pulled up on their heels

The ones who had trained for so long to compete

One by one they all turned round and went back to help him

And brought the young boy to his feet



Then all the nine athletes joined hands and continued

The hundred yard dash now reduced to a walk

And the banner above that said "Special Olympics"

Could not have been more on the mark



That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals

For they came to the finish line holding hands still

And the standing ovation and nine beaming faces

Said more than these words ever will



That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals

For they came to the finish line holding hands still

And the banner above that said "Special Olympics"

Said more than these words ever will



@handicap

filename[ NINEGOLD

MC

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