Marathon Picture Poem Mat, 20 x 16

A 20 x 16 inch Photo Mat printed with an original poem about being a marathoner by Daniel Mark Extrom (See Text Below). Double Matted with an opening for a vertical 5x7 photo. An incredible unique gift for any marathon runner. Frame not included. Mat will fit in most 20 x 16 inch photo frames.
Special Introductory Price - $89.99

MARATHON
They say, two thousand years ago,
under Grecian sun,
a soldier was dispatched for help:
twenty-six miles to run.

Today ten million people have
run those miles again,
to follow ancient urges that
call them back to then.

There is a secret part of me
that tells me I must run
back to ancient history:
my marathon’s begun.

I have trained my legs
to know their proper place,
to seek their outer limits,
to find controlled pace.

I have trained my mind
to focus on the road,
to stay the course and block the pain—
a rhythmic, tranquil code.

I have trained my heart
to beat with strength and pride,
to drive my body forward
on such an ancient ride.

I have willed my soul,
with all that is within me,
to keep a promise to myself,
to know my limits,
to know my strength,
and then to go beyond,
to take a pace and move on past
until I do become, at last,
a part of ancient history.

I raise my arms up to the sky,
proud of my own victory.
I conquered my own self today:
I am a part of history.

© Daniel Extrom May 2007