Don’t we all admire the experts

The true professionals

Don’t we envy the best

But here’s the confessional:

We weren’t there when it hurt

Just when the judges cut all the rest

I wonder how many times she shot that ball

How many times did that gymnast fall

How many punches on that bag

How many words were on that pad

How many “again”s or early workout regimens

What else was quit, was cut to get to the top

Only quitters win, I’ve heard

The best have quit everything else but their one thing

Keep that in mind when you read what they wrote, marvel at their skill, or hum what they sing

How many times have they failed or asked a question

Again and again and again

To get to the top, to be the best, to win