Someone once said to me
“If I’m faster,
I’m taking it.
If I get there first,
it’s mine.”
I’ve lived with that knowledge since
which is why I gulp down all the cookies
before anyone else has a chance.
I cannot risk the possibility
of losing something
I might want.

I heard the phrase again recently
(or something like it)
and had to admit
if only to myself
in one instant
that I was not fast enough.
I didn’t act
in due haste
and lost
thusly.

I have learned the lesson
twice now
so I’m redoubling my efforts
to be the fastest
the most fit
the first in
to take the spoils
I deserve
simply by reaching them first.

I live the race to the moon
every day
with every idea I take in.
Don’t like my conqueror’s attitude?
Race me.