Nine Gold Medals

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 single was given the pistol exploded

And so did the runners all charging ahead

But the smallest among them, he stumbled

And fell to the asphalt instead.

He gave out a cry in frustration and anguish

His dream and his effort all dashed in the dirt

But as sure as I'm standing here telling this story

The same goes for what next occurred.

The eight other runners joined hands and continued

The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk

Anda banner above that said (Special Olympics)

Could not have been more on the mark.

That 's how the race ended, with nine gold medals

They came to the finish line holding hands still

And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces

Said more than these words ever will.