8 Seconds from Glory/Poem/Bette Wolf Duncan



8 SECONDS FROM GLORY
 He mounted the bull; and at blast-off he swore
he wouldn't be cast off like dung anymore.
Let Hell explode! He was bolted astride;
and this was the day for an 8 second ride.
Let the bull hurtle and rocket through space,
propelled by its hate for the whole human race.
He'd ride out each frenzied eruption and spin.
This journey was his. It was his day to win!
8 seconds from glory! 8 seconds from fame!
8 seconds away from the crowd's wild  acclaim!

Just 5 seconds more...he refused to be thrown.
Just 5 seconds more, and the buckle he'd own.
Though his frame throbbed like jets
from the thrust of the blast,
he hunkered down tight
till  some three seconds passed.
2 seconds from glory...Just 2 seconds more!
He'd ride the full 8 or die trying, he swore!
But glory's elusive. It's here, then it's gone.
One moment , it's yours.... and the next- it's withdrawn.
With 1 second more...just a second to go,
the darn bull exploded and stole the blamed show.
Glory is fleeting. It seldom lasts long;
and his glory vanished like dew drops at dawn.

Bette Wolf Duncan ©July 5, 2007
© Poets retain copyright to their work; obtain a poet's
permission before using a poem in any form.

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