There are no medals for trying
not in silver or gold, at least
not the ones decided by judges 
or those celebrated with a feast

No medals for trying, sorry
not the ones awarded onstage
not the kind you hang in your room
or keep in a box as you age

Yet there are special medals for trying,
not intended to be kept in a box or worn only onstage
but medals to be used and tested
and treasured as you age

Whether you finish in 5th, 2nd or last, it's fine
being first is not always a must
Honesty, patience and passion makes you a winner
for these are medals that never will rust