oval mile by john clare

we the slow of foot have seen our day!
the time we had upon the inner lane has ceased
now runs the young to make up the stagger
and we hold the watch cheering them around the way.

the oval mile is just four laps
there was the time the journey took only five ticks
swifter still were the world class elite
we could not fathom such fleet of feet!

Today i pace the little feet around
my once smooth gate slowed by time
he sprints, then jumps, then hops
then stops and waits for me to catch up.

such joy i have to now just watch
and cheer the little harrier through the lanes
when the time comes i yield up the walk
wheel me down to the oval way.

let me cheer the milers in breathless ecstasy
even though i cannot run, my spirit soars from this chariot.
in my heart i pace beside Eammon, Marty, Scott and Coe,
The sub four milers from my swifter times.

Last call for the mile!
The starters gun!
To the bell lap so suddenly!
Look! Look at me grandpa, watch me run!

To the heavens he looks to receive glory
And we the great cloud of witnesses cheer them on wildly!