A crowd gathers at the starting line,

runners and onlookers alike,

eager to run and cheer.

The gun marks the moment of truth,

as competitors sprint down the path,

and final encouragements shouted.

The path twists up the mountain and through the wood,

the running herd thins as each person finds their stride,

the echoes of love fade to silence.

For the remainder of the race,

each runner must now focus on the trail,

the challenge unfolding step-by-step.

Some quit as soon as they venture out of earshot,

Others turn aside as the mountain trail climbs,

While the rest push on.

Slowly the path turns back,

to the start,

where praise and accomplishment meet.

Life is like a race.

Fans and love at the start,

comfort and praise at the end.

What happens in between— where and how far we venture- is up to us.