And They're Off! Poem by Denis Martindale

The commentator set the scene as I watched on TV,
My giant TV picture screen showed all there was to see!
The jockeys and their horses, too, prepared to give their all,
So many colours there to view, as if a miracle!

And my, it was a sunny day, and hot to be quite frank,
This wacky heatwave chose to stay! (I'm not sure who to thank!)
I blinked and missed the start, and yet, 'THEY'RE OFF! ' I heard him say!
And who could tell what we would get, and who would win today?

The horses thundered on the track, yet not one looked afraid!
And I recalled it looking back! Charge of the Fight Brigade!
As if no mercy would get shown, 'Gangway, I'm running through! '
That horse then took the lead alone, chased by the frightening few!

I think I would be terrified if riding in that race!
With each leg dangling at each side, and fear upon my face!
My hands gripped tight, with all my might, not caring, win or lose!
With closed fists showing knuckles white, and no chance to refuse!

Meanwhile, the leader sped ahead, increasing with each pace,
As from the frightening few he fled, set now to win the race!
I gulped to see the race unfold, yet came to realise,
That horse wins hay instead of gold, and yet, that's no surprise!

The owner smiled, the jockey smiled, the horse just thought of hay!
And to this truth I'm reconciled, yes, even to this day.
Yes, some get rich and some get poor in this, the sport of kings!
Rich guys buy mansions and much more! Flash cars and fancy things!


Denis Martindale.3rd July 2025.