When You Leave the Block

Written on Feb 5, 2023

The early morning wake-ups
The drills and the pains
Though practice makes perfect
Many times it's a drain

The discipline you keep
And the habits you don't stop
All add up over time
When you leave the block

Some days you'll swim fast
Some days you'll swim slower
Some days you'll feel high
Some days you'll feel lower

The end of each race
And the time on the clock
Don't tell the full story
When you leave the block

Sometimes you swim relays
Sometimes you swim or dive alone
No matter the event
You never swim on your own

Your coaches and teammates,
Family, friends, the whole lot
All root for your best
When you leave the block

New coaches will come
Old coaches will go
Old routines will change
New friendships will grow

Every coach has a style
Every coach fills a spot
Their best lessons stick with you
When you leave the block

Remember, life is a meet
Each day is a race
And the real measure of success?
Swim or dive at your pace!

You won't always be scored
By a coach or a clock
But always strive for your best
When you leave the block