A reminder of what it takes to succeed in life

The shroud of Turin once brought fame
to this Italian town.
But now Torino boasts The Games
with bobsleds racing down.

There's ecstasy in downhill runs,
in slalom and in jumps.
But don't forget the agony
as some fall on their rumps.

There's skating, hockey, curling too.
Those alpine nights are cold.
But nothing warms these athletes
like striving for the gold.

With practiced skill they show their stuff.
in hopes that they will place.
And though their bodies push and strain,
they move on wings of grace.

What seems so easy is quite tough
requiring discipline.
These hearty souls have paid the price
and now they're cashing in.

In winter sports or daily life,
the bottom line's the same.
You can't stand on the podium
unless you've stood the pain.

So as you watch The Games tonight,
take stock in what you see.
Success requires working hard.
The payoff's never free.