Chad le Clos

This is the only way to take victory:

choking back tears

like they are the dreams

you have finally caught up with

trying to escape.

You have just beaten

Michael Phelps

The Best Swimmer

in recorded history.

You are the tiger who sobs

for the dove between his jaws.

You stand on the podium

higher than your hero

you can truly love him now

your arm touches him

now, and there is a new power

and a new smile

in the sopping globes

of your eyes.

We are humans

And we cannot help but rank.

We are humans

and we cannot help but worship.

He is the swimmer

and you

are a mournful fish

Who swims joyously in his wake.