I take the cold walk to my car
Even when a friend offers a ride
I decline,
I need the walk
I need to think...

My breathing haggard
Lungs struggle for air,
Head hung low with defeat
from the match I lost.

I was doing so well
Till my breathing stopped.
My chest had stiffened
My throat had closed.
I knew this was the end
Just like it was the games before.

I walked away in shame,
As coaches asked what happened
With no breathe to explain
Why my body gave up,
I lifted my hand
Deeply shaded in purple