Victory

How far can one small warrior go?
How much can he endure?
How hot must be the fires
To make the gold most pure?
How high can the biker climb
Upon the mountain’s height?
How many rounds can the boxer go,
Or the weaker fighter fight?
How many times will each be downed,
And choose to get back up?
No matter that the frowners frown,
Will he fight to win the cup?
And if, though each gives all he has,
Yet still can’t reach the bar,
Will he count the loss a victory
Because he came so very far?
When he makes it to the finish,
And sees another with the crown
Will he count the loss a victory
Choosing to smile, and not be down?
When he sees the crowd all roaring
For another standing near
Will he shrug it off, and turn about,
And for another cheer?
Would he count the loss a victory,
If he had come twice the way,
Through twice the hardships the other had-
Would he take the loss, and stay?
Would he take the chance to start a feud,
And make a friend instead
With the one who reached the finish first
And always seemed far ahead?
And if they both by friendship lived
The remainder of their lives,
Would not both be found at the finish
With the winner’s prize?