The defeated

Bask in the light of your well deserved glory,
Soak in the adulation rightfully yours,
Tread the soft petals showered from high towers,
Show forth your jubilant smile.

Walk on ahead to the future bright,
But don't forget, we are not far behind.
We will follow close, clawing on all fours,
We will heal,  we will stand, and we will run again.

We may be defeated, but we have not lost,
We may be second, but we are not last,
The thorn laced paths only harden our soles,
We will wash our shame with our own blood.

Don't be sorry, don't sympathise,
Spare us the victor's scorn,
We have lost so many times,
Our skins are thick to your pity.

So run fast, run far, as much as you can,
We won't be far,
Snapping at your tired heels,
Breathing down your sweating neck,
Waiting for you to slip.