Seconds elapse…
As the needle ticks
On a rhythmic beat

Silence ensues…
While the audience holds
Their bated breath

Muscles contract…
Remaining taut
And ready to sprint

Adrenaline rushes…
Straight to the head
Without a pause

Emotions culminate….
As imagination runs
Its fearsome course

The mind reels back…
To extinguish the roots
Of senseless paranoia

Composure returns...
Confidence surges…
Anticipation builds…

When the signal releases
The iron clasp that
Restrained us all…

We run straight
Towards the finish line
That awaits us
On the other end.