60.

My Lord Supreme, I am praying to You
To bless all the marathon runners
With Your sweet and fond Marathon-Love.
My Lord, they desperately need
Your Compassion.
My Lord, I am also praying to You
To bless our self-giving organisers.
Self-giving is the right word, my Lord.
They always serve You lovingly
And self-givingly,
And at times sleeplessly.
My Lord, I am also praying to You
To bless profusely the helpers
And also the well-wishers
Of this marathon.
May all the runners run
Smilingly and happily
While covering the entire distance.

25 August 2005
New York