A poem written by Brian Fitzpatrick during our first season as a novice program in April 2004

“The Feeling”

The man says go

jump off the start

heart is pounding

shoot like a dart.

Fatigue sets in

500 done

one might wonder

how this is fun.

750 gone by

The leaders take way

all that work hardest

their positions portray.

1000 is done

Adrenaline is all that drives

legs are like iron

yet the boat still flies.

1250 has passed

its almost done

those who want it

do not succumb.

1400 is here

you give it all you got

the boat flies onward

you feel on top

1500 has come

the race is done

those who’ve beat you, none

for this is crew.

Brian T. Fitzpatrick