“Raleigh, Raleigh” Rolls said “Confidence is a good thing but in middle of a race confidence can only get you to start the race. Do you think you lost the race because you were not brave, that is not the case, you lost the race because you have train and truly believe that you are right about what you believe in. I have lost numerous races, but I don't let it get me down. Do you know what I do...? I finish I always finish, that is the true moment of courage or bravery, that even when your down and it seems like everything you have ever felt believe in has been spoken or acted in the moment. You prove it to yourself not to them, no one else means anything that a byproduct of what you have done they are a reward but when you win, they are there for you when you don’t, they don't know your name. All you can do is keep racing and believe but believe in yourself.”
“Finish” Raleigh whispered to himself.
“Finish, it’s the hardest part after starting but starting is easy you start everyday”
Raleigh closed his eyes and when opened them Rolls was gone. Raleigh got up, it was the hardest thing he has done in his life, dusted himself and began to roll for the finish line. The crowd had started to disperse it didn't seem like Raleigh had the guts to finish so they were all leaving and cheering, because just to see a race is the greatest thing for a polee to witness. There were a few people left at the finish line the most important was the older polee who had beaten Raleigh he wasn’t going anywhere; he was going to wait out Raleigh as long as it takes. After a while of this and the crowd had dwindled down to about 3 polies waiting for Raleigh there was an image that finally appeared on the track which could only be Raleigh. The older polee starting clapping, I should mention that that when a rollie polee claps it is no small thing with so many arms and legs it is very loud and seems like many people re clapping at once. Raleigh didn't hear the clapping though as loud as it was Raleigh slowly rolled across the finish line.
Raleigh got up and made his way to be in front of the older polee and started to talk.
“I am not going to stop believing that Rolls is the best racer ever but today you won and I will admit....”
Before Raleigh could say his last words the older polee gave him a large hug.
“It doesn't matter what was said, yes I did win, but what’s important is that you finished. Many things will be decided on the track, but arguments and disagreements happen the most important thing is that you didn't back out and especially that you finished.”
“I thought you were going to rub in how you were right, and you won”
“Well maybe it is my right as winner, but I have lost many times too and I am not a bully like everyone thinks, just because I’m bigger than most other polies rollies think I should be mean. I will defend what I believe to be right until someone proves me wrong. I say Sirs Rolls A lot is the best.” the older polee says as he smiles.
“Oh, really Rolls is the best. I will race you for it.” Raleigh said back smiling.
“You’re on” The older Polee said balling up and getting ready to race.
For Raleigh’s first day at the races he truly learned what racing means to Polee’s everywhere and why it’s such a big deal all over Rollieopolis. Raleigh continued to race the rest of his life and stayed friends
with the older polee who he argued with often on many things and it usually was decided by a race.
Raleigh won some the older polee won some, but the important thing was that they finished and
especially started which is easier I think, you just cross a line.
...