The 16th mile

[passing time making up words on a 

marathon training run 1998]

One by one by one do I count 

the cracks across the road,

the supportive friends I know, 

the number of miles to go. 

Have I prepared both body and mind,

am I of strong will,

are the stars aligned, 

such that I conquer this quest 

on which myself I find?

I run along now,

so tired it's true, 

but with focus I run 

with sixteen behind 

and ten to go point two.