On a September morning in 1990, the citizens of Atlanta,
Georgia, considered the “hub” of the southeastern United
States, were ecstatic as they woke up to stunning, not
really expected, but hoped for, news. Indeed the entire state
of Georgia, as well as the nation, celebrated what was now
fact, Atlanta had been selected to host the 1996 Summer
Olympics, known formally as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad
and informally as the Centennial Olympics.
The birthplace of the Olympics, Athens, Greece, had been favored
by many to win the bid as host city for the 1996 event since it
would mark the 100th anniversary of the modern Games.
And when the US went to bed the night of September 17,
1990, it was Athens in control of the voting of the International
Olympic Committee, up three votes over Atlanta, the nearest
of five other cities around the world competing for the Games,
and only one more round of voting to go.
Life’s highway is something we all share
though each of us vary our route,
some recklessly, some with great care,
some confidently, others with doubt,
but none with benefit of a map spread out.
And reaching the end of childhood days,
one’s journey in life can be quite a maze.
It doesn’t really matter where we’re from,
the highway of life follows a similar trail
of sunny hills to climb and pitfalls to succumb,
as we learn we can both succeed and fail.
Making our decisions of the utmost scale,
spouse, children, health, finances and career,
we know correct choices will make life dear.
Of course, life’s highway lasts for some longer
while, tragically, others leave before their time.
That should only make our resolve stronger,
to avoid potholes and hunt for new peaks to climb,
for we never know when bells for us will chime.
If we learn anything from the highway of life,
let it be to spread love and respect rather than strife.
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All of history’s wars are painted crimson,
crudely smeared with the blood of mankind.
The final stroke was often unforeseen,
when sure victors ended a war not won,
when one battle changed the War God’s mind,
underdogs having reversed the whole scene.
Turning point battles, historians find
altered history then and in between.
BATTLE OF MARATHON, Greece, 490 BC
In 490 BC, the famous Battle of Marathon
began when strong Persia invaded Greece.
Darius the Great, Persian King, also ruled
likewise Egypt, India, Babylon.
But, seeking ever more power increase
Persia was defeated, the Greeks not fooled.
The Greek’s smaller army won, regained peace,
and Persian domination overruled.
This battle is oft remembered today,
not due just to the underdog’s conquest,
but for the legend of the lithe young man
who ran the news to Athens, 26 miles away.
Upon relaying his joyous attest,
collapsed and died within a minute’s span.
Today, “marathon”, as we know it best,
means a 26 mile footrace, the distance he ran.
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