Running on the Spectrum
 
Like a klipspringer, Jason bounces
bleating at Dad until the starter
brings down his chequered flag.   
 
Racers chased by fun-runners,  
fancy dressers, garbed to impress;
Jason joins the challenged,  
 
plodding at the rear. Lured away
he darts off, Dad in pursuit, patiently  
coaxing as Jason dashes toward  
 
zebra rushes and bog plants, kneels
to splosh; honking geese scatter
amongst ripples and giggles.
 
A cookie entices, he charges, barges
into a seven foot giraffe!
Snatching the treat, Jason gobbles  
 
Dad reaches to steady the long neck  
as it wobbles, cajoling his teen  
to re-join the race.
 
Spectators cheer; Miss Castle surges,  
collides with a giant chicken to beam
Well done! at her former pupil.  
 
Mum waits at the finish,
tumble drier for a stomach,
strains for a glimpse -
 
hears the tannoy announce him.
The Group catch it too
and in their tsunami  

of whoops and cheers, Jason  
leaps, while Mom’s heart skips
like a klipspringer.

Eira Needham


 
If you have any thoughts on this poem, Eira Needham would be pleased to hear them.