A Lament for Marco

You used to toy with me,your favourite silly midget,
running, nearly without touching the ground,
and yet you strode away at impressive speeds.

You stretched your long legs, and left me behind,
shouting the name of your favourite athlete,
the one you so much wanted to emulate.

You smiled, and joked, and laughed,
your gentle eyes shining so bright
as to conceal the scar on the side of your head.

You were able to spread mirth to others,
in the face of that ugly beast
that kept gnawing at your endless vitality.

But yesterday you got distracted
and the beast got you.

I will have you in front of me
for each and every step i'll ever take
with my running shoes on.

You are not an inch away from the eyes,
a smidge away from the heart,
Alive and full of joy as ever.