Tag Archives: running

by

A Mary Oliver Poem & More Street Art

another “gem” on the path this morning

I continue to find little treasures as I go out for my walks. This morning I came across this inspirational painted rock. We had a lovely sunny morning but unfortunately winter continues to be reluctant to let us go into spring. The forecast for more snow helped me choose the Mary Oliver poem I am sharing.

THE STORM (BEAR)

Now through the white orchard my little dog
          romps, breaking the new snow
          with wild feet.
Running here running there, excited,
          hardly able to stop, he leaps, he spins
until the white snow is written upon
          in large, exuberant letters,
a long sentence, expressing
          the pleasures of the body in this world.

Oh, I could not have said it better
          myself.
by

Life Rythms

She studied his chiseled cheeks
while he slept,
a low rumble arose with each breath,
the sheets rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

He watched her athletic form from a window
as she ran toward their home,
a steady smack from her shoes arose with each step,
heavy breath panting in and out in a steady rhythm.

They sat together holding each other
watching the river flow before them,
churning waters arose with spring downpours,
embankments dislodging in a collapsing rhythm.

by

The Climb

mountain-run-280x421

(photo credit: running.competitor.com)

A mountain looms before me

I take a deep breath
exhale slowly
warily eyeing the climb
the challenge
the dare

To conquer
a gift of sweeping views
awaits

“Tell me what you know about running”
The query from another runner startles me
makes me laugh
“Put one foot in front of the other.
That’s all there is to it”
we chat

Arriving in the granite giant’s shadow
without a backward glance
my unexpected inquisitor
clearly an experienced runner
leaves me in his dust

As I embark on the imposing ascent
I contemplate my own
words of wisdom
Just keep putting
one foot in front of the other

 

by

The Eyes Have It

I was crossing over the pedestrian bridge
when I spied him on the other side
with two bags

Glancing down at my watch
trying not to break stride
I moved a little to the right
to allow room to pass
as we got closer together

His toothless grin
caught me off guard
and words uttered
pulled me to a stop
pace forgotten

I took in his thin face
long stringy hair
and twinkling blue eyes

Before I could say anything
he raised his hands
each holding a plastic bag
shaking them for emphasis

His missing teeth caused his words
to come out with a lisp
“If you see my family
tell them I’m on my way home”

For the briefest moment
I thought he could read my mind
wondering who is this
vagabond kid?

I returned his smile
assured him I would
pass along his message
and resumed my run
haunted by his happy eyes
I wondered
how could I keep my promise