The poem is about the premature death of a young athlete, which sets the poet reflecting on the purpose and leaning of life.
The dominant image is that of the athlete being chaired shoulder-high and basking in the cheers of the spectators s he receives the laurel which is a classical symbol of success.
The above image contrasts with another, the "road where all runners come" which is death. Death is presented in .Tier images like "a stiller town", which is the cemetery where "silence sounds no worse than cheers; "home" which suggests finality, and "shady night". All these stand in opposition to the image of the laurel and the rose, which, though marking earthly success and beauty, wither so fast. It is remarkable, therefore, that the athlete is described as "smart lad" to have died young before beauty and access desert him.
In the poem, images are turned upon their heads. For example, the image of the lad being carried "shoulder high" as a mark of worldly success is the same image presented of him being carried "shoulder high" this time, towards his save. Similarly, the garland that withers where "lads wore their honors out" is described as "unwithered" on the head of tie "strengthless dead".
Reference can also be made to the image of the "challenge cup" which lures athletes into the limelight, "the market Face". There, if they do not "retire" as quickly as the "smart lad" they will face, in the language and feeling of the poet, disappointment and disgrace, being 'lads that wore their honours out. / Runners whom renown outran / And the name died before the man." However, for the "smart lad" who dies at the height of his achievement, there is the "still defended challenge cup".