The Pyle Inside

Michael Phelp’s future didn’t look so good,

Coming in 16th at qualifiers, in last place he stood.

Germany’s  Paul Biderman swam and finished first,

For Phelps, the 2009 Rome Championships seemed cursed.

Some left the natatorium, dejected. Those who remained

Believed he’d trained;

They believed “If Michael gets a good rest-

For sure he’ll beat the test.”

However, Paul had a new, better high-tech suit,

A sleek and human orca in gold medal pursuit

In the natatorium the disbelief settled in,

For there seemed little chance of a Michael Phelps win.

Phelps let out burst, to the relief of them all,

Paul Biderman, to their surprise, was first to hit the wall,

when the board lit up, and the crowd saw what had transpired

Phelps at 2nd and Paul at first left the crowd inspired.

From ten thousand fans came loud resounding cries;

shaking the ground and reaching the skies;

breaking through sound barriers and bouncing and dancing

Phelps, mighty Phelps, to the finals was advancing.

Looking at the clear blue 50-meter pool, Michel walked confidently under the gaze of a ton;

There was intimidation in Michael’s building when he took off his blue parka in the scorching sun.

The crowd cheered as they watched him like a hawk,

No one would doubt that Michel was at the block.

Twenty thousand eyes were on him as he put on his united states bearing goggle and cap;

Ten thousand hands clapped when he swung his arms, almost like he wanted his arm to snap;

As the official took his place at the microphone ready to start the race,

Concentration filled his eyes, a scowl on his face.

Now the swimmers were on the blocks, for all, the chances of winning were minute,

Paul Biderman stood with his new tech suit.

The officials stepped up to the pool 2 meters deep-

“Take your marks,” said the official. “BEEP.”

A boisterous scream came from the natatorium, packed full of color that were bright,

Like a lion roaring in the midst of a fight;

“Go! You can do it Phelps! Shouted someone from the stands;

Most likely the cheers kept Phelps going as he sprinted down the pool like a kid late to school.

With each long stoke Phelps took his grace shone, many watched in yearn;

He had finished the first fifty meters and was heading in for the turn, ;

Paul was right before Phelps as they sped by like a shark hunting prey;

The officials leaned over, watching the turn as the water sprayed.

“C’mon Phelps! Go USA!” the deafening voice of ten thousand screamed,

With each stroke, the crowd cheered, waiting for Phelps’ reputation to be redeemed.

They watched Phelps and Biderman went in for the next turn, water flowing against their skin,

Everyone knew that both were giving it their all to win.

As the last fifty meters neared, the crowd was tense but kept its cool,

Paul in his new suit racing down the pool;

Phelps close at his feet, neither backing down,

Now the water didn’t ripple, at least not in this town.

somewhere in the world, there was a happy soul, and children dancing,

The national anthem playing somewhere, and people singing;

Somewhere there was laughter, and somewhere people cheered,

There was no joy in the Us, the result was what they’d feared.