The Marathon

Once a year they will run down the road
in the morn full of cheer with no load
            but the shoes on their feet,
            so with smiles they do greet
a new chance to be out on the road.

It’s a beautiful day for a run
with their friends.  It’s a chore and it’s fun;
            for to be at their marks
            and to race past the parks
with the air turning warm from the sun.

There is someone with family away,
they’re away up ahead and they say
            “You said you would do it
            and now you must prove it.
We are waiting for you.  Seize the day!”

From the start to the finish, they ache
and they sweat, and with wonder they wake
            to the fact all around
            that strangers do surround,
and they swallow him up like a snake.

Now a roar, screams, dreadful confusion,
            a hue and a cry
            my God my God why
There is fire and dust and profusion
Of the wounded, the weary, where’s my—

It’s a beautiful day, yet for you
Today it has all come unglued.
            Now you are exhausted
            But hear me, O Boston,
From hereon when we run, it’s for you.