Under the starters flag
Away and flying
Through the Jockeys dressed in black
And I’ve been told I’m dying

I need to slow things down
Behave a lot less manic
Pause to view the track
Ease back on the panic

I spot a patch of green
There on the side
Abruptly stop to browse
And end the Jockeys’ ride

While I browse, I pause
And meditate
Close my eyes to chew
And masticate

I feel my breath ease
My heart rate slow
Watch the others gallop past
I resist the urge to go

– Tom Jackson