The race is on

Before we see it

Before we know it

No whistle nor flag

To signal its start

Once unleashed

Out from wombs

We are placed on

A lifelong race

Like trapped on a nonstop

Conveyor belt

With speed accelerating

We crawl walk then run

To keep up

without a choice

We race with time

To achieve our goals

To keep up with agendas

To beat the deadlines

We compete with people

For superiority and survival

Inside our mind

Ego rivals conscience

For reaching decisions

When retired

Timeworn body exhausted

Legs enfeebled

We still have to race with

Aging and ailments

Soon before we realize

It's the last lap on the track

Eventually we all lose our race to

The rival we try not to think about

Still it tails us silently since the beginning

Yes at the end death will win the race

And put toiled life to eternal rest

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States