New Yorks 12 Hour Walk

This year I entered a 12 hour hour walk,
Which circled a mile in Queens, New York.
The April weather was fiercly cold,
Yet 300 walkers started young to old.
In supreme silence we stood at the start,
Reflecting the purpose of our journeys embark.
Commemorating Sri Chinmoy's 45th year
Arrival anniversary to the western sphere.
From India he came with love and grace,
So in gratitude we walk The 12 Hour Race.

We started in the morning, just after seven
And Sri Chinmoy smiled upon us from heaven.
I went out fast and saw my name - 7th place,
Reminded myself this is a Self-Transcendence Race.
Only 2 hours in my muscles started to ache
Why leave my training to the race, its too late.
At 6 hours in I thought 'If I can keep this pace,
Maybe I'll do 50 miles in this walking race'.

Having come so far and having so far to go,
I felt my pace dwindle and slow.
I caught up with friends Palash and Harita
Who saw I'd lost my strides cadence and metre.
"I must admit I'm starting to feel a little tired"
"Have you had a Pep Pill?" my friend enquired.
Made of guarana and cola nut, I said 'Why not"
And grabbing 6 I swallowed the lot.
Wings frew from my shoes, I felt a new surge of power
Which lasted day and night (I slept only a half hour).

I moved up to 5th place holding onto it strong,
As I knew the finish wouldn't be long.
I thought of Subarata in this race she towered
And felt her inspiration to do New Zealand proud
I too thought of Sri Chimoy and uttering 'gratitude'
The shadows grew long, concluding this epilude.
At 7 pm the finishing horn began to sound
Stopping where we were, thew our sandbags to the ground.
Final distances were measured, for over 50 I had tried,
Then overcome with emotion I started to cry.

The results were posted after 2 days
52.8 miles/2 marathons/85k!
The top boy did 60 and lead girl 57 miles,
And on these champions, Victory casts her smile.
"Todays victory we celebrate only to invoke a new goal"
A message from Sri Chinmoy I treasure, heart and soul
The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team's support was the best
Thankyou Sri Chinmoy for coming to the West.

By Ujjwala Mettrick