Lust for life

I am going all in

for the participation trophy

yes I am in the running

I am no threat really

lots of reasons to bow out

ignoring that negative crowd

taking my licks and kicks in trailersville

accompanying winners to the podium

all smiles at cameras for whom

I remain out of view

my being overflowing in gratitude

despite mounting challenges

these tired feet made it to race

hoping present momentum

outpaces that of creeping despair

tempting as it is to throw in the towel

I would rather they take me out by my feet

but not one second earlier

than my ordained time