I continued this journey running,
On feet as light as Quicksilver.
I imagined the finish line ahead,
Until it put that stone under my foot.

I continued this journey walking,
On legs of tireless bronzed flesh.
I could hear the cheers of far off crowds,
Until it crushed my knee into powder.

I continued this journey limping,
On limbs of heavy, leadened bones.
I could make a path through the bushes,
Until it snapped my thigh like a twig.

I continue this journey crawling,
On the last remnants of a fading hope.
I could keep the goal in my mind,
Until I heard it coming up behind me.

I can hear its hate as it approaches me,
And feel its pleasure at the thought of breaking my spine.
Will anyone rejoice when my pain's all gone?
Will anyone notice I didn't finish the race?