Persistence Wins

Persistence Wins
©2004, Janet K. Poludniak

Ol' Tortoise is most strange indeed;
his success didn't come from speed.
When challenged once by Hare to race,
each started out and set his pace.

Hare ran the course, fast as he could . . .
to win the race; he knew he would!
But when he got quite near the end,
he stopped and looked back toward the bend,

and as he looked from whence he came,
he thought, "This race is just a game!"
He figured, "Now that I'm ahead,
I'm sure to win!" That's what he said.

But through the years this tale's been told,
the same today as in days of old . . . .
Though confident he'd win the race,
Hare did his confidence misplace!

You see, Hare started out the best,
but he looked back and stopped to rest!
Around the bend came Tortoise snapping,
"Ah, Mr. Hare, I've caught you napping!"

He plodded on to win the race,
not once complaining about the pace,
for he kept his gaze upon the prize
and not upon his speed or size!

Although the goal was in plain view,
Hare slept, and so placed number two.
Now, take this lesson from our friend:
persist, rest not, strive to the end.

Place your trust in One who's greater;
persistently serve our great Creator.
Though winning seems an impossible task,
He'll help you run if you'll just ask.

But once you start to run the race,
don't look back; just keep your pace.
God's power comes as we obey,
so start to run the race today.

Look to the goal and never tire!
Persistence wins! Let this inspire:
if you quit striving for the prize,
you're bound to lose what ‘er your size.

Story ID:	3935
Written by:	JANET KESSLER POLUDNIAK (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Organization:	JUST ME
Story type:	Poem
Location:	Clarks Summit PA USA
Year:	1969
Person:	Originally, I wrote this poem for an assignment while in college. It's been revised and lengthened since then.