Student Publishing Program ::

Pooja Kumar

The 3-D Award

The glint of gold that catches my eye,
reminds me of that summer day.
The breezy weather that day in July,
smells of grilled meat floating away.
The annual summer barbeque has great intent
to reward the diligence of each swimmer.
And to recognize those hours we’ve spent,
persistently trying to become a winner.

I remember the lethargic feeling of dread that I rose to
each morning when I awoke to a freezing pool.
Starting at 7 am, which I was greatly opposed to
as I considered my coaches so very cruel.
Kick after kick, stroke after stroke,
I pushed my hardest every day.
Though sometimes I felt it was such a joke,
unnecessarily tiring myself away.

But when I heard my name called for the most prestigious award,
I knew this hard work had paid off as it should.
The 3-D award that was always so adored,
Desire, Dedication, Determination for which it stood.
The round of applause, the approving nods,
accompanied my swelling of pride.
Despite the aching arms and the burning quads,
I was so grateful that I had always tried.

And now as it sits on my shelf up high,
the trophy triggers these memories from so far away.
As the glint of gold that catches my eye,
reminds me of that summer day.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]