Feeling weak as
I see the surging muscles
Swelling with flexion
Blood-fueled and
Throbbing as sweat cascades and
Heavy panting at the
Exertions little clad

I remain
Swathed opaquely
Struggling with heavy things in
Hands cramping to hold onto them
Pushing again and again but
Having them surge at my face
At least as often

The others give but passing glances
I turn away from them in shame and
Envy at what they have with seeming ease
While I yet labor for what I never had
And hope perhaps in vain my
Striving amid the smells of oil and sweat
Bodies growing unwashed and glorious
May yet win for me

If there is a race
It has long since passed me by
And even the dust kicked up has
Fallen back to earth
While clouds catch the fading sunlight and
Stars start winking out from the
Spreading cloak of coming night
Drawn to cover the bodies anew

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