Three-Legged Race

Peering into the future,
Our backs squarely to the past,
Downward we glanced at our legs bound together,
And started tentatively at the gun’s blast.

Slow and steady is most prudent,
It is not about speed;
Alternating the roles of teacher and student,
Is perhaps the best way to succeed -
But in a partnership where no roles are permanent,
I FAILED TO TRULY LET YOU LEAD -
Never could I have not been so insistent,
And all I can say to you now is, “Please, don’t leave.”

I am tempestuous...
The minute, I’ll cavil...
Putting up with me has been arduous,
But I beg not to let what binds us unravel -
I’m not thinking about the finish;
My only concern is to reconcile,
For winning is second best -
Second best...to seeing my friend smile.

I want to say that I’m sorry,
For lately I’ve made you do the opposite,
I know you’ve a lot to deal with daily,
Without having to put up with my bullshit -
You know these three-legged races aren’t easy,
But we’ve come too far to quit...
You’re leery?
Filled with regrets?
Give me another opportunity,
And, hopefully, I’ll change that mindset.

I KNOW YOU’VE A LOT TO DEAL WITH DAILY,
WITHOUT HAVING TO PUT UP WITH MY BULLSHIT,
YOU KNOW THESE THREE-LEGGED RACES AREN’T EASY,
BUT WE’VE COME TOO FAR TO QUIT...

Seeing as how I couldn’t care less about winning,
Can we please take it back to the beginning?
The journey back can also be the beginning going forward,
And I promise this time to be less untoward -
To be more understanding...
To let your foot plant before mine on the seward...
I love having you on my team,
Losing you, I cannot afford -
I do apologize for any wrongdoing...
Please don’t leave whose life you’ve transfigured.


- Kevin Waring