by Tony Dickensheets

 Walking in the park 
 early on a Sunday morning;
 the sun just beginning its ascent
 all is quiet but for the songbirds.
  
 Then a long line of high school runners
 preparing for the upcoming season
 glide gracefully by me;
 youth emanating from their every stride
 as they churn up the dirt and cinder.
  
  A coach riding on his bike
 exhorting them to finish strong;
 to build muscle memory
 for use in a later race.
  
 Cross country running,
 one of man’s purest of sports
 harkening back to the plains of Africa
 running to survive,
 running to eat,
 running to love.
  
 The kids finished their run,
 enjoying the fresh breeze
 under a large shade tree;
 a modern twist to an ancient rite.    

Categories: Poet's Corner

Tags: Tony Dickensheets