Race Day Poetry: Frederick Half-Marathon

Today I am running the Frederick Half Marathon, and, as is my tradition, I have composed a couple of race-day poems.  

But also, I thought you might find it interesting to note that this race is the first portion of a two-race series known as the "Maryland Double."  If someone runs this race and then also runs the Baltimore full or half marathon in October of the same calendar year, they receive a third "bonus" medal for completing "The Double."   And, since Maryland is my home state and possibly the greatest state in the entire union, I've included one stanza of our state song, "Maryland, My Maryland."  

If you've never heard this little ditty, it is sung to the tune of "Oh, Tannenbaum," like the Christmas carol.  It's actually a bit of an odd choice for a patriotic anthem, because it was originally written as a call for Maryland's secession from the Union, and it became a popular song throughout the Confederacy during the Civil War.  The author, James Ryder Randall, was a native Marylander living in New Orleans.  He refers to President Lincoln as a "tyrant" and the Union as "Northern scum."  Not exactly the most eloquent or timeless lyrics.  As a result, most of the stanzas are not at all inspiring or motivating or applicable to anything today.  But, according to Ken Burns, General Lee ordered his troops to sing the song as they marched into Frederick in 1862. It didn't go over well back then, but this morning I too will be marching (driving) into Frederick.  And I too have a battle (of sorts) to fight.  

Furthermore, today is also the first leg of the "Triple Crown" horse race, the second of which, the Preakness Stakes, is run in Maryland. "Maryland, my Maryland" is sung on this occasion. (The third stanza only, I think...as most of the poem is, as I mentioned, a violent battle cry against the North.)  Nevertheless, in the spirit of Marylander-pride and Maryland racing--both thoroughbred and human--here's to the Old Line state:

           Thou wilt not cower in the dust,

Maryland! My Maryland!
Thy beaming sword shall never rust,

Maryland! My Maryland!
Remember Carroll's sacred trust,
Remember Howard's* warlike thrust,-
And all thy slumberers with the just,

Maryland! My Maryland!

 

*I grew up in Howard County.  I don't remember his "warlike thrust," but I can tell you that HoCo residents have a lot of pride. :)

And of course, below are my decidedly less majestic poetic endeavors.

Race Day Haiku:

Added a 5K

After the half marathon.

I am a moron.

Race Day Limerick:

The Frederick Half Marathon I’ll race.

Though I’m sure I’ll have quite a slow pace.

If it’s not too much trouble,

I’d like the “Maryland Double!”

If I can’t, I’ll have egg on my face.

Cheers!