Icy Task

(also from 8th grade)

The swimmers looked at their icy task

To beat the competitor to the side

Each had prepared hours a day

For this lengthy ride

Swimmers take your marks

The voice came loud over the rectangular water

The buzzing beep sounded loud and clear

And the swimmers learned to fly

The water awakened the fish as they landed

The strokes came soon and beat away

The roars of the crowed drowned out so effortlessly

By the beat of steady wings, the swimmers after their prey

The water raced by as the swimmers arms pumped

One pulled ahead of the pack

Then came the turn and off they went

Racing on their backs

Each stroke so powerful, the roar became louder

The screams just halfway hoarse

Legs and arms not quiet yet tired

Stamina gained from a long swimming course

The turn, it came, the swimmers gone again

This time each became a frog

And crept along the pool

Until they reached the end

And turn once more they did

And this time headed for home

The roar grew and the arms they flew

Each swimmer holding his own

Down to the wire

Three swimmers they raced

While the stragglers hurried

Trying to keep up with the pace

And kicking and thrashing

They all came crashing

Down to the wall

This final time

Each one stretching out as far as they could

And touched the wall with a thump

Then quickly turned and looked at the clock

Had they beaten their task and won?

For the swimmers had looked at their icy task

To beat the competitor to the side

Each had prepared hours a day

For this lengthy ride