The athletes had come from all over the country

To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze

Many weeks and months of training

All coming down to these games.

The spectators gathered around the old field

To cheer on all the young women and men

The final event of the day was approaching

Excitement grew high to begin.

The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them

The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run

These were nine resolved athletes in back of the starting line

Poised for the sound of the gun.

The signal was given, the pistol exploded

And so did the runners all charging ahead

But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered

And fell to the asphalt instead.