I threw a gauntlet down to Time, <br />And challenged him to run <br />A mile or two alongside me, <br />And then we’d see who’d won. <br /> <br />I did not miss the starting-gun, <br />I flew out of the block, <br />Oblivious to trickling sands, <br />Or ticking of the clock. <br /> <br />I built up a substantial lead. <br />Time lagged far far behind - <br />Slow plodding on with feet of lead, <br />I borne upon the wind. <br /> <br />For Time was like the Tortoise, <br />And I was like the Hare – <br />Careering t’wards the Winning-Post, <br />The Spoils with none to share. <br /> <br />At length I slackened off a bit, <br />Pulled up for a short breather. <br />And while I paused, admired the view, <br />The Tortoise Time drew nearer. <br /> <br />Then, as he overhauled me, <br />(Imagine, quite a shock!) <br />I heard a sound like trickling sand, <br />Or ticking of a clock. <br /> <br />I strove to catch up with him, <br />Accelerate my pace. <br />Alas, I saw I’d lost all hope <br />Of staying in the race. <br /> <br />Now I was like the Tortoise, <br />Time like the fleet-foot Hare – <br />Careering t’wards the Winning-Post, <br />The Prize aloft to bear. <br /> <br />6/3/07<br /><br />Denys E. W. Jones<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-race-against-time/
