Classic Poem

On wings of steel the bold athlete
Brooks rival none, for none so fleet
As speeding under wintry skies,
Before the nor'land gale he flies,
And flying, frets the ice to sleet.

Like Mercury's, his wing'd feet
Skim o'er the river's crystal street,
And dread and danger he defies
On wings of steel.

What though the blast about him beat?
His dauntless heart athrob with heat
Of warm, young blood—his eager eyes
Essay no effort to disguise
That life to him is rare and sweet
On wings of steel.