Second Wind

Sometimes during

a game of inches,

you will have a crisis of confidence.

You will feel as though

you’ve given everything

before you’ve finished,

and lament

the end of your journey

before the climax.

What else is left?

I dig deeper,

in a panic,

and realize there’s nothing.

The doubter’s voices crowd my head,

and they all sound familiar.

No fuel, not even a hint

of fumes to run on,

but I run on

when I was sure I was spent.

The naysayers

continue their tirade,

but I pay them no mind.

The march continues

and the runner’s high kicks in.

I’m going to do the greatest

act of defiance

that I know —

I’m going to make it

to the end.

Equilibrium

These two left feet of mine,

they get me places.

Neither in grace nor style,

but I end up wherever I must,

mostly on time.

I’m well-aware

of how I happen to be

positioned,

I feel each fluctuation.

With the gyroscopes in

my ears, I remain

level-headed

no matter how I crane

my neck.

Featherless biped,

I pole vault with each pace,

leap and bound;

not enough drag to stop me,

not enough lift to send me

soaring.

Maybe,

if I push a little harder,

I’ll get somewhere.

Runner’s High

Inhale

exhale.

Running sucks

and I love it so much.

Ready?

Feel the steady drumbeat

of an active heart,

with quick feet,

deep breathing

and concentration.

Keep on keeping on

until you beat back

that little voice in your head

saying

“I need to rest,

I need to sit down,

I need to reset.”

Inhale,

exhale.

No matter where you go,

you are always here

stay with this moment,

allow yourself to feel

the daily strain —

it wains with perseverance,

Inhale,

exhale.

The only way out

is through —

everything

you were clinging

tightly to

will

blow away,

inhale,

exhale.

Joy washes over you,

as pure exertion

becomes elation.

Ready?

Inhale,

exhale.

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