Course Correction

rabidly seeking  the prize
so cherished   of late  so tarnished
empire state doe  races  sure footed 
    headstrong  challenging
other comers  deemed unworthy  by a once
    positioned
razorback  shadow leader  coveting
    adulation

mixed breed  prairie trained  hatchling
audaciously accepts  free running  an uphill landscape
eyes fixed early  on the considered goal
timing his strides  this word wooing  neophyte
cunningly  gathers momentum  while hopeful hearts conspire

polished doe   presumptuous  unhurried at the gun
languishes imperiously   ignoring other pretenders
dust eating  sycophants  off course watchers  now
jockeying  for short list placement  on a
coattail ride  to the Admiral’s House

gangly contender  plods to  finish first
otherwise delegated  to the vaunted dreamer   rudely awakened
runner-up  hello-ing and goodbye-ing  destiny
denied by  a Lincolnesque   change-agent
snatching victory  at  the mile high tape