Against Time
And it’s a strong start for this,
Our latest pair of opponents.
So early in the season,
Expectations are low and
Neither can think to know
The other’s trajectory, or
Who will falter first.
One lap down, they converge
Into the closest lane,
No doubt attracted by
The profit this tactic presents.
They’ve same pace and stride,
And they hound each hurdle
Side by side.
This is, however, no marathon.
In fact, there’s only so long
A pair can surround the same centre
Before they, too, become caught
In the trap of a circular track.
It is for this reason, among others,
That when the game ends
And victor turns to vanquished,
Red-faced and shaking,
Success smells not so sweet
And each is forced to ask
Whether it was really worth it,
Why they raced in the first place.
And it’s a strong start for this,
Our latest pair of opponents.
So early in the season,
Expectations are low and
Neither can think to know
The other’s trajectory, or
Who will falter first.
One lap down, they converge
Into the closest lane,
No doubt attracted by
The profit this tactic presents.
They’ve same pace and stride,
And they hound each hurdle
Side by side.
This is, however, no marathon.
In fact, there’s only so long
A pair can surround the same centre
Before they, too, become caught
In the trap of a circular track.
It is for this reason, among others,
That when the game ends
And victor turns to vanquished,
Red-faced and shaking,
Success smells not so sweet
And each is forced to ask
Whether it was really worth it,
Why they raced in the first place.
