A Runner's Mantra

you have to move to exist

just being, is not enough

life must be left behind you

as you move through it

and it is just you and the road

heavy foot-falls on the concrete

only a rhythm to sustain

only a line you must follow

so the voices that grate are gone

you’ve had enough of people

and jobs and work and sleep

or lack thereof, hopes that recede

if only you could keep running

out of this cold city

into the woods and fields

where real air is breathed

the rain cannot stop you

or the cold, in fact you prefer

it that way, less people to encounter

more time for you and the pain

oh pain, how wonderful to live

and feel the soreness of your legs

and the lash of the wind

it is all the more worthwhile

reluctantly, return home again

to the same family and same

empty bed, arguments continue

why should that surprise you?

the world does not stop when you run

it is only your mind that stops to see more clearly

as your body races for that slither of freedom ahead

Reviews

[RDOriginal]

This certainly sounds likes it's been written from first hand experience by a natural runner. I get a similar feeling when I row (being a naturally un-gifted runner I never experienced the mental release when running, it was always a struggle!) I like the imagery of the pain actually revealing that you are being alive - it's all part of the running experience. That's quite a sad penultimate stanza, I think we can all identify with those times when home isn't what it should be, it becomes a place to return to 'reluctantly' as you say. What a great image to finish with too - the pursuit of that slither of freedom which you pursue but cannot catch. A really nice poem and a refreshing subject to pick. Good execution!

[Michael X]

this strikes me as really refined and well written, especially the use of imagery on the senses, like foot falls on concrete, creates a vivd picture
in the mind. I really liked this, keep it up.