Comment from Cybertron1986

Exceptional

I rarely give six stars but this is deserving of more.
Everything here flowed so well and I loved how the words all relate to one another in many ways....life, sport, ethics, and life skills.

This is one of those works that people of all ages can enjoy.

I loved the part about not rewarding reason with doubt that is not what life is about. So true. Thank you for such a refreshing reminder of how life can be.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

And thank you for reminding me how refreshing a great review can be, Cybertron1986. I mean that sincerely!

Comment from DSchlosser

Excellent

Motivation at it's best. One of the things that is good in life is competition, but when you compete for the sake of constantly conquering others instead of for the sake of having a good run then life can become burdensome.

I really like the end lines that speak of setting a pace for yourself. This takes away the burden of constantly feeling like you have to keep up with the Jones' in life. As long as you are happy with how you've ran the race then that's what matters.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

You nailed it, 'D', and you are absolutely right. We shouldn't have to feel as if we're competing 24/7 with everyone. Just be ourselves and things will take care of themselves.

Thanks for the spot-on review, my friend!

Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi Dean,

Indeed, it's how you run the race that counts. That is what I used to tell my handicapped youngest son when he played in Special Olympics. The joy on his face when he won a ribbon is stored in my memories for all time.

Had he applied the same premise to life, perhaps he wouldn't be the lost sole he became through drugs, alcohol, and skirting the law.

Your poem stuck a cord with me. I wish I had a sixer to give you. This is a keeper, my friend.

Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

Jax, a sixer is not important to me as long as the poem connected with you and you enjoyed reading it. That means more to me than anything else.

Thanks for sharing that personal tid-bit with me, and for the wonderful review as well.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Dean, did you mean that it's winning that matters or is that a typo. That would be a turn up for the original proverb, I think we really need the Holy Spirit to run the race well! A very well written poem, your usual high standard you have set! It was "well paced" and gave an articulate "walk" through the poem! Nice aabb rhyme that jumped a lot of "hurdles". Nicely
"weighted" poem that makes the "distance" a good "finish" I think you'll win the "prize"! Blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

Hah, no, of course not, Roy, and thanks for pointing that out to me, LOL. If I didn't make at least one mistake in editing, then what would any of my reviewers have to talk about, hee-hee?

I really appreciate the kind comments and review!

Comment from Dawny53

Excellent

Hi Dean, I'm all out of 6's, or I would certainly e putting one here for you. This life is far to brief to waste, breath deeply, keep a steady pace... my favorite part of this poem, and wise advice for all of us. Thanks, Dean!

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

Thank you for reading and reviewing it for me, Dawny, and for sharing your thoughts with me about the poem. That means more to me than any six star rating, my friend! :}

Comment from paulharrington

Good

I really enjoyed your poem,especially the fourth stanza, which I thought was a gem. The only section I didn't like was the last stanza, where I felt like there was a shift in focus from performing your best to actually winning the race.

Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed your work.

Thanks!

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 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

Thanks, Paul, and I really value your opinions and appreciate your very kind comments.

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

author note - it's if you win that matters - that's not what you mean ;-)
solid use of rhyming couplets
embracing hope without allusions - I think you mean illusions
excellent use of enjambment
see beyond horizon's span - I added the apostrophe for possessive
good instances of alliteration
good assonance in breathe deeply
I like the inspirational message delivered in good poetic form :-) Brooke

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 Comment Written 18-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2014

Hah ha, no, you're absolutely right, Brooke, and I changed it very quickly, LOL.

Thanks for the excellent review, my dear friend. I really appreciate that as well as the suggestions.