8/27/08 On the Podium

Of all the feats of the greatest olympic athletes,
I most enjoy watching them stand on the podium,
still damp with sweat or pool water,
but in coordinating sweatsuits now.

I like when they fidget.

I like to see if they will sing all the words
or cry or smile during the national anthem.
Sometimes they only sing the parts they know,
and sometimes it's not their song playing.

Sometimes the podium doesn't mean you've won.