“I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!”

Can’t believe I won.

Knew you’d be proud.

Feel almost like those too-gracious quarterbacks

who credit the whole team.

But there’s a part of me which thinks

we all wrote that book.

Did get notice I will receive a plaque.

Had hoped for first class airfare & accommodations

maybe a corner room

high up close to the water

and a banquet where I would give a stirring

acceptance speech about the folks who helped me,

the athletes, race directors, volunteers,

training buddies.

First wife.

What an honor.

Luckily, still some room

on my office wall

for a plaque.