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Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA

0 posted 2002-01-07 11:09 PM


    

The crowd gathers in the chill of the morning
Excitement and a sense of unity fill the air
Freshly fallen snow sets the historic scene today
As all eyes wait expectantly for just one glimpse

What is it they anxiously await on a January morn?
For the arrival of the one and only Olympic flame
Today the torch relay shall pass through my town
Bringing electricity through the air in minutes

Each runner dressed in a crisp white and purple warm-up suit
Holding an unlit torch as they await the flame’s arrival
Once it gets to them, their torch is lit and the previous snuffed out
For there is only one torch and one Olympic flame

We stand at the edge of the crowd looking up the street
To see if we can spot the Olympic caravan in the distance
Until finally a small procession of vehicles enters the drive
They move slowly and one announces the torchbearer is on the way

Behind the last vehicle, is a lone runner proudly carrying the flame
The crowd catches a glimpse of him and begins to slowly chant
“USA, USA, USA” amongst applause and smiles of proud Americans
The torch arrives for a brief stop right in front of us as we gaze in awe

The sight of this spectacular event gives me goosebumps all over
As emotions well up inside as I stand mesmerized by the flame
For I know it has traveled so far from it’s home in Greece
Where it resides steeped in tradition as it lies in wait for yet another journey

This flame has seen things I can only imagine and wonder about
So many momentous occasions in Olympic and world history
It is in itself a symbol of peace and harmony in many countries
Causing the world to pause for a brief time to set differences aside

I came out here today because I knew this was a historic event
And that I may never again get the chance to witness the flame
In person along its journey to an Olympic destination
Where the world will watch on television in awe and wonder

I’ve always thought it was amazing to watch it travel on television
But it is nothing like seeing it less than two feet in front of you
In person, you understand and experience the true spirit of the Olympics
May its brilliant light shine upon your path one day also

Photo Courtesy of Robert Killips, photographer for the Lansing State Journal Newspaper


All writing comes
by the grace of God.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson


[This message has been edited by Lone Wolf (01-07-2002 11:12 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Jennifer L. Garcia - All Rights Reserved
Startime
Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918
Canada
1 posted 2002-01-07 11:18 PM


BRAVO!!!BRAVO!!! I love the excitement of this whole event and you bring it to life perfectly. I love it!!! I love it.!!! **big hugs**

Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams.

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
2 posted 2002-01-07 11:24 PM




YAY!!! Oh my gosh, this is soooooooo beautiful, sweet friend, long live the flame of love and hope and may it burn with pride! Let the games begin!!! (kiss on cheek) I love this, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Jennifer, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton
  
  



Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
3 posted 2002-01-07 11:51 PM


great job LW. . . it was truly an event to be remembered. . .

well done. . . hopefully, others will go out to see the flame in their states, towns, and cities as well. . .

----------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Duncan
Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

4 posted 2002-01-08 12:17 PM


Great write, Lone Wolf.  The torch passed near my home a few weeks ago, unfortunately I wasn't able to be there.  Your poem captured what I believed I would have felt had I been able to see it.  Enjoyed much!
Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

5 posted 2002-01-08 10:50 AM


Well done, lady, I can see how this inspired you, we all need a flame once in awhile.
Believe me, I know!

Kathleen--
Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul.
Only kindness can do that. ~Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire~

Johnnie
Junior Member
since 2001-04-08
Posts 27
Indiana
6 posted 2002-01-10 06:21 PM


Hi Jennifer, I like this....
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
7 posted 2002-01-10 07:02 PM


Great poem!! It must have really been exciting to see it!!
strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

8 posted 2002-01-10 07:58 PM


Lone Wolf, Clap, Clap, great poem, loved reading it , floria
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
9 posted 2002-01-10 08:18 PM


OHMYGOSH!!  I had no idea it was coming that close to where I live!  The weather was clear...I could have gone to see it...what a thrill it must have been for you!!  This is wonderful!!  Enjoyed so much.  Hugs.

~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
10 posted 2002-01-10 10:03 PM


What a wonderful timely piece, Lone Wolf.  Many are wondering if the USA should ever host the Olympics again, due to security concerns. I am so happy that you've had a chance to vicariously participate. It really is awesome. And so is this poetic tribute to Unity, through sports. thanks!
Magnus
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
11 posted 2002-01-10 10:17 PM


LW,  I have seen many...never in person..
and it is an awesome sight to watch...when
enemies come together united in friendship..

You have brought the vision to us through
your words..

Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA
12 posted 2002-01-10 11:14 PM


Startime: It was very exciting in person!!  Thank you!!

Noah: It was awesome and if you ever get an opportunity go, it's well worth it.  

Sven: Thank you much.  I hope others get to experience what we did too.  It's something I'll never forget.  

Duncan: Sorry you missed it, but glad I could bring it to you in some small way.

Kathleen: Thank you!  Yes, we all do need a flame.  

Johnnie: Thanks.

Poet deVine: It was great to see firsthand.  Thank you!

strbbux: Thanks much.  It was an emotional day.

Nancy: It was a huge thrill and we enjoyed every minute of it.  Perhaps you will get a chance to see it again sometime.  Thank you!

Midnitesun: I think security is always a concern at the games.  They say trying to secure Athens will be even tougher.  Hopefully we'll get another chance in the future.  Thank you for your kind words.  

Magnus: The flame itself seems to hold magical powers.  The feeling you get when you see it is remarkable.  There is nothing like it.

All writing comes
by the grace of God.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Interloper
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
13 posted 2002-02-19 10:16 AM


Sorry I missed this ... it is 1derful!

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