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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book... “6 Feet Under” Down in the Dirt (v136) (the May 2016 Issue) You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:

Order this writing in the book A Stormy Beginning the Down in the Dirt Jan. - June 2016 collection book		get the 318 page Jan. - June 2016 Down in the Dirt issue anthology 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

To The Finish Line

Marlon Jackson

    Only a few blocks left until the finish line. And Jason was running, the sweat rolling down his face blinding his sight as his ran. He wiped the sweat off of his face and he continued to go forward. He didn’t think of any prizes, trophies or tales of congrats by the squadron of folks. It was all determination and consistency. The other runners were mostly at the same pace sweating their asses off. The crowd was roaring from every angle within the stand, and the cheers were moderate. Jason felt the pumping of his heart go erratic and as much as he wanted to he didn’t slow down. He continued running and he and his opponents ran unto a narrow turn making a swift right. Three out of the seven runners slowed down. The other four including Jason continued their race. That last block was tricky and now it’s only two and a half blocks left. Jason pushed and pushed. The raging look on his face was fierce and intimidating. He heard the harsh breaths of the runners beside him, running as hard as him and two of them were at the same pace of running. One trailed by a few paces and then the trailing runner suddenly stumbled on his own steps and he fell nearly face flat on the pavement.
    The crowd oohed and aahed.
    That leaves three.
    And they’re moving fast. All three are saturated with sweat. The finish line wasn’t too far now.
    The middle runner trailed now and in a matter of moments both Jason and his other opponent outran him.
    That leaves two now.
    It was only forty yards now with Jason and his final opponent. Determination ran through both of their minds in a frenzy.
    They were both dedicated to victory.
    Thirty yards left! Who will be the winner? Jason or his opponent! The crowd was holding their breath.
    They both ran at the same pace.
    Sweat continued running down their faces frenetically.
    Right before them less than fifteen yards from the finish line the sun beamed away and then it appeared to be slowly setting. Or the sunrays twinkled way too brightly for their eyes.
    There were a few clouds in the sky but neither of them drew were near the blinding sun.
    Jason fighting off the brightness of it striking his eyes had wished he wore his sunglasses that he left on the kitchen table right before he exited his front door of his apartment. His opponent continued running squinting his eyes.
    A headache arose in Jason’s head and still he ran...but he slowed.
    His opponent ran a little past him now. His face squirmed painfully from the sun beaming mostly in his eyes. Jason continued pushing but the headache arose too quickly. He was in a shudder of pain and it throbbed on the left side of his brain. His opponent was ahead of him now...but only five yards away he suddenly went down in slow motion sequence to his knees from the sun rays.
    The shine was too bright for him. He couldn’t take it.
    Neither could Jason, but by grace he continued running to the finish line. He bypassed his opponent and only one yard left and Jason’s opponent was still on his knees.
    Three feet.
    Two feet... One... The crowd roared when Jason reached the finish line! His hands were sprung in the air and his mouth was wide open.
    He was exasperated...
    He was exhausted... And yet still...Jason made it to the finish line.

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