Because we all want to write more poems.
Running
If you can call it that,
My 50 year old legs hoisting my fifty year old torso
Into the air and down with a thundering crash
Car alarms are going off
Cracks are forming in the sidewalk
I must be a sight
In my reflective yellow hoodie sweatshirt
That cost $5 at the Goodwill
My shoes that are not Trainers
Not orthotic-friendly
Not antimicrobal, lightweight, vegan runners
Not made of moisture-wicking memory foam
Or gel.
Just sneakers.
I pound up the street,
Feeling more comfortable
Among the commuters driving home
Than on a track or trail
Though Bellingham is full of tracks and trails.
I like to watch the drivers
As I gasp for breath.
Here and there, among the hands free talkers
I see someone singing at the top of their lungs
I imagine it's Jumping Jack Flash
Or I Saw Her Standing There
But it is probably not.
When I catch my breath,
I start singing in time to my steps
A slow song, naturally.
More of a funeral dirge than anything else.
Until I see someone running toward me.
He may see me as a fellow traveler,
I see him as competition
And I pick up my pace
If just for a few yards
I manage a nod
Hold my wheezing breath
Til he passes and then I slow.
I come upon a white haired man of maybe 75, walking slowly.
Wonder what song is going through his head
As I pass him. Maybe a Bob Wills tune.
Soon the 75 year olds will be the ones singing Jumping Jack Flash
That will be something to see.
I love that man as an older brother.
I too will be walking when I am his age.
No more jogging, my bones will be brittle
Like dried bamboo sticks
I nod and leave him to his Yellow Rose of Texas
Couple blocks to go, I am tired
My steps barely qualify as running
It's downhill but I'm shuffling
A middle aged lady walking ahead of me
Overweight, carrying a large backpack
Yes, she's smoking too.
She need not worry though,
I will not be passing her at this rate.
- Neil McKay's Shared Poems
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Comments
Jennifer Dixey
February 14, 2012
Permalink
I can relate ...
... as a rather recent runner myself. I like the "it must be a sight"/"that will be a sight" parallel lines. I feel like I'd like to hear this one!