Kettei (Japanese word for Determination)
As June has approached for the past years
A young runner has reached far deep into her soul
With this untamed race,
Brings a sense of wanting to soar like an eagle
Determination and persistence over the years has brought her here
As the young runner laces up her shoes
And embraces the world around her
She knows her mark is soon to be seen
As the sound of the gun goes off, it is heard in through every ear of each runner
The race begins
It is a time when dreamers become believers
An idea that once graced the pages of their minds
Is now theirs’ to be had
As the young runner sees each mile marker
Her concentration pulls hard from the core of her body
To carrier her on farther
The tightening up and fatigue she feels within
Brings her to notice
She is just a bit closer to her goal
Hearing the fate sound of the onlookers cheering each runner on
Warms their hearts wanting to sore like an eagle
Every voyageur that tames the surface of this race every year
Is seen with the essence of perfection
Their ability and determination drives their soul
To achieve many great goals
As the young runner crosses the finish line for another year
She knows in her heart, she has done her best
Seeing family and friends all around
Brings this traveler of this unbeaten path
A sense of a great accomplishment in her life
Claiming one certain winner, this weathered trail has many stories to tell
From making dreamers into believers
They are winners in their heart and minds
For they have all made their mark here
And they will be back each year to claim once again
That is the magic of the running a marathon
By: Courtney Elford
