After sports day!

                                                            After Sports Day!
                                                                                                              JOHN FORSTER

Suppose a father , when at school, took part in a race, came last and felt ashamed and humiliated. Should he encourage his son to take part in a race.

Stung by the taunting laughter                                    Why is it
As I panted in last,                                                       That twenty years on
Having been forced to take part                                   I feel a father's pride,
So as not to let the side down,                                     Watching my son
I climbed to the top of the chestnut                             Come striding first to finish
And tearfully vowed                                                    Forgetting the agony
That no son of mine                                                     Of the forlorn figure
Would run against his will                                           Trailing in
                                                                                      Last