Participal+Poem


 * Listening to the crowds, **
 * roaring as we get on the blocks. **
 * Curved hands over the edge, **
 * stretched muscles as I pulled back. **


 * Diving, splashing into the blue expanse, **
 * creating the perfect streamline. **
 * Kicking while listening to my pounding heart, **
 * striding as fast as I can. **


 * Winning, losing, being an inch ahead, **
 * using all my strength. **
 * Hearing the cheering crowd as I took a breath, **
 * pulling forward with every stroke. **


 * A hard-working swimmer I am, **
 * as I saw I was neck and neck. **
 * Stretching and ducking my head under the flags, **
 * I knocked away the competition and brushed the pad. **


 * Cheers broke out as I looked up, **
 * smiling like a kid on Christmas. **
 * Having getting first and beating the other girl, **
 * by three tenths of a second. **