By George A. Hancock
August 2024
Thursday begins an August run
With events that often stun
My morning run grows dark
Yet, my run is never in park.
For many, summer is over
Just eye that brown clover
Schools will open soon
As some students swoon.
I’m running with my light
Since dark covers my flight
Local streetlights stay on
Due to our later dawn.
Fall sports are again here
As pre-season hears a cheer
Football is a major sport
Earning a daily news report.
Late August sees a change
Beneath the sunny range
Fall colors dot the low trees
That I view on road sprees.
Summer is winding down
Across our warm town
Yes, our days remain hot
Slowing the running trot.
Hello Darkness
Hello darkness, old friend
Summer’s beyond the bend
I’m running with you again
Out on my road playpen.
My August run is dark
It’s quiet, not a bark
The AC units do hum
Humidity makes us numb.
My road light is on
It’s dark before dawn
Cloudy days are rough
Streetlights never enough.
Potholes are an issue
Falling requires a tissue
Even road cracks are bad
Bad roads make me mad.
Traffic moving too fast
Sends me an air blast
Big trucks can move me
Not good we all agree.
Running in reflective gear
Lessens that road fear
Early daylight is gone
Until some March dawn.
More Traffic
August creates a traffic flow
Some motorists never slow
I’m out running in the dark
Mostly enjoying my road lark.
Local schools open soon
Back to school is the tune
Busses and vans drive by
Some students wave Hi!
Students in cars drive by
As I watch and utter a sigh
More traffic on the run
Is not always road fun.
Schools are a busy place
So, I watch my early pace
Sports practice begins early
Before the temps get burly.
Actually, busy is a normal run
While less traffic is more fun
I’m running on school routes
And skipping the road pouts.
Yes, our year is moving on
I tolerate the later dawn
Seasonal cycles are cool
Like this back to school!
Checking The Gear
It’s time to check the road gear
The next season is soon here
Lately, September stays warm
And outside folks still swarm.
Early on, running in a tech Tee
Creates lots of running glee
Running in light clothes is nice
Enjoy is always my run advice.
If gear is needed buy it now
Before it’s gone and Oh Wow!
Is exclaimed at the empty shelf
Or restocked by the store elf.
It’s early but checking the spikes
For running in the snowy icy strikes
I run early before the road treat
And daily running becomes a feat.
It’s easy to order new running gear
But sometimes shipping is long I fear
So, checking the cool weather gear
Avoids that “I need it right now” leer.
When your running gear is ready
The daily run remains steady
Eye the calendar, we’re moving on
Autumn arrives in the new dawn.
On a Late Summer Day
Summer and August are gone
I run now long before dawn
Yes, sweat does freely flow
On my run from head to toe.
Running on a late summer day
Creates a view out my way
Of students going back to school
And many folks closing their pool.
September nears with fall days
And colorful leaves on the byways
Wasting time is a poor choice
You miss so much says my voice.
Often, late summer stays warm
So daily runners need to conform
A good way is be weather aware
Foregoing the next stormy snare.
Sometimes late there’s a chill
It’s our next seasonal thrill
Yes, our seasons come and go
Time is steady and never slow.
Each season lasts just so long
We run on steady and strong
The next season is at the door
I’m glad running is never a chore.
Categories: Poet's Corner
Runner's Gazette 
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