he died

his shoes won’t have to

be double laced any more

bottle filled or Gu packed

he died

somewhere on Ocean Parkway

underneath the Saturday rain

surrounded by all of Brooklyn

he died

with thundering cheers in the air

rubber soles in the pavement

and kids on their toes for a glimpse

he died

I saw the coaches comfort him

but his watch wouldnt restart

the race was over too soon

he died

ambulances sprinted ahead

blue and red legs leading

medics handing out volts

he died

he’ll lie there like blue confetti

tears rallying between teammates

his finisher medal waiting on the rack