Matthew R. Callies

The Rhythm of Racewalking

Stride after stride, the ground pulls near,
the pathway stretches long and wide,
as sunlight warms the early day.
Arms swing in time, the goal is clear,
each step precise, momentum’s guide,
a measured dance, no stop, no sway.
In every breath, resolve draws near,
the crowd around, the pride inside,
a world in sync, a fierce ballet.

 

The soles connect, a softened clap,
the pace a song, the speed intense,
feet touching down in strict design.
With focus keen, each twisting lap,
the air grows dense, the tension dense,
as limbs keep time, in perfect line.
A march, a glide, no room for gap,
they press ahead, defy suspense,
a test of strength that must refine.

 

The ground rolls past in tireless beat,
each step a note in firm refrain,
a journey’s length to overcome.
The surge of pulse, the summer heat,
the rhythm builds with mindful strain,
the crowd grows hushed as sounds succumb.
A challenge met, no thought of defeat,
and every stride bears strength unchained,
a test of will both stark and numb.

 

With forward lean, a swift advance,
the walker fights through headwinds fierce,
no backward glance, the pace expands.
A single aim, the focused trance,
the air around begins to pierce,
a battlefield of feet and hands.
Each curve, each turn, the world enchants,
and mile by mile, the doubts disperse,
a steady climb through distant lands.

 

On paths of stone and gravel gray,
the walker’s speed a quiet storm,
a soft parade on hardened ground.
The heels and toes in strict ballet,
the body holds its perfect form,
and silence hums, a pulse profound.
With every step, the night to day,
the road awaits the heart to warm,
and echo back the walker’s sound.

 

The crowd leans in with breaths held tight,
as moments blur, and seconds blend,
the walkers strive in silent grace.
Their shadows long in fading light,
their will a force that will not bend,
and every step a marked embrace.
The end in sight, the journey right,
the drive, the fire, the final bend,
a testament to inner pace.

 

With tired limbs, they press ahead,
the path a line that does not break,
a finish waiting just beyond.
Through pains and aches, the spirit led,
no single step a minor stake,
each one a vow to carry on.
The race unfolds, in streaks of red,
the rhythm strong, no move to fake,
a pulse, a dream that grows lifelong.

 

Now nearing close, with grit worn bare,
the heart is light, the mind is clear,
the body floats in pure ascent.
A goal achieved, a moment rare,
the walker moves with no veneer,
and time stands still, a still ascent.
No thought of loss, no room for care,
the road recedes, the crowd a cheer,
the race a life, a journey spent.

 

And when at last the line is crossed,
the walkers stand in quiet pride,
their breaths a hymn, their joy untold.
No pace too slow, no inch is lost,
their steps a tale of worlds defied,
a story written fierce and bold.
In every stride, the pain embossed,
the will to strive, the strength inside,
a race walked well, a tale retold.