Crossing the Finish Line

Crossing the Finish Line

I ran to cross the
finish line of 16
sprinted as fast 
as I could to 18
I scarcely looked 
behind when my
eyes were on 
the finish line of 21

I spent time
around the finish
line of 30 of 35
I wondered how 
I got to 40- that
finish line mixing 
metaphorical ones
with literal ones
a brutal run on a hilly
South Korean island

I think about the
races cut short-
about how I continue
to lace up every
morning while some
of the most brilliant
running companions
have left the course

I can hear the sound
of their rhythmic
steps. Of their breathing
still. I wonder who
will greet me when 
I cross the finish line.