After all the efforts and all the sweat
Post all the hard work that you were sincerely at
After attempting to achieve with all your might
Post dreaming about the end and getting the prize
Often living the winning moment in your dreams as well
Holding the trophy gloriously as if under a spell
Going over it in your mind to what you’ll say
How much will you smile, how fast will be your gait
After all the restlessness and all the shivers
Post all the sleepless nights and the anxious quivers
You attempt your best shot and give it all you have
Your last shout of effort, and it’s all over in a flash
You wait anxiously to see if you’ve won
You wait to hear the words “You’ve done it! You’re the one!”
But what you get is “good but not enough”
You’re not the winner, only the runner up!
There – but not nearly
The gap – costs you dearly
Missed it – but how!
Tell me – what now!
You might do it all over again
Though it sounds so unsteady
After all the efforts went in vain
What’s the guarantee!
The words ring and linger on
The moment which you dreamt of is now gone
Good – but not enough
Not a winner – only a runner up!
Sonal's Poems 