This morning as I ran my usual route through the neighboring streets, the battery died on my radio. Yes, I still use a transistor radio when there are so many other options to listen to music. It seems less complicated, except when the battery fails.  However, I was not disappointed, as it left me with different ways to pass the time instead of the five or six songs between chatter that it normally takes to complete my daily run. Without the ear buds, I listened to my footsteps and counted out the 900 steps that it took to complete a half-mile. My slowing stride is now down to less than a yard, so it takes 1800 steps to complete a mile, if my math is correct. When I think about ten years of doing this every day, that’s a lot of steps. (See Post #590 for another poem). Here’s the sequel:

 

If Some How I Could 

Playing mind-games,
When I run.
Hoping somehow,
To keep it fun.

But then the pain,
Gets in the way.
I count the steps,
And plan my day.

Diversion works,
Distraction better.
Sometimes I write,
A poem or letter.

My feet keep moving,
Never fast enough.
Each and Every morning,
The course is rough.

If there was a way?
If somehow I could?
If only I could make,
The strain feel good.

I start to sweat,
I’m half-way there,
My muscles ache,
I’m sucking air.

It’s hot outside,
I see Mount Hood.
I’m all alone,
The rain feels good.

Jumped out of bed,
Slept-in if I could.
The road was calling,
Insane feels good.

I just want to stop,
And rest for awhile.
But I’ve got to run,
Anotherlong mile.

If there was a way?
If somehow I could?
If only I could make,
The pain feel good.

I’m almost done,
I think I’ll make it.
I’m tired and sore,
But much more fit.

I’ve exercised,
As others should.
My body hurts,
But my brain feels good.

Copyright 2018 johnstonwrites.com

.