The Best of the Worst

Not everyone can be a winner.

Someone has to finish last

In races run, in battles wonand lost

Before the home crowd stands.

Beaten and demoralized,

The hurt reflected in hiseyes

Contrasts the winner's open sighs

Who realizes all his plans.

 

Consolation offers littlecomfort

To the heavy heart

That Glory's torch eludes

And passes shameless toanother's hand.

And although given credit

For a valiant effort on theway,

Deep inside the mind issaddled

With a cross; a loser'sbrand.

 

Not to quibble, not to wallow

In the mire of pity's sand;

Though I may not be thewinner,

I will be the best I can.