by George Hancock

DECEMBER 2024

Sunday begins December’s run
Now officially with a winter sun
December’s 31 days do grow dark
Sometimes hiding my outdoor lark.

December begins winter’s season
Several months with a cold reason
Yet, running outside is a can-do
Tech clothing avoids that Boo Hoo.

Sometimes December brings snow
Which creates a neat road glow
Reflected light lights up my path
I can see Mother Nature’s wrath.

We’ve entered Christmas time
With twinkling lights covering grime
From our late autumn windy days
With falling leaves rustling byways.

Christmas brightly ends our year
Soon there’s that New Year cheer
2024 is steadily moving on away
We welcome the first 2025 day.

As December nears the end
Daylight happily is on the mend
Yes, it’s still cold out on my run
Hey, we’re moving on, never done.

DAYLIGHT GROWS

The winter solstice is the 21^st
And darkness has finally burst
Now daylight grows each day
Illuminating our winter roadway.

At first, daylight is very subtle
After weeks there’s no rebuttal
In January daylight steadily grows
It does happen this runner knows.

Of course, the morning is dark
On my roadside running lark
It’d late February before light
Creates late-season delight.

Evening daylight is really OK
Despite my predawn run way
Soon to be 52 years on the roads
Enjoying these changing modes.

Christmas time brings more lights
With displays creating many delights
Winter’s dark season eases some
Before resuming the seasonal scrum.

As December ends daylight grows
Revealing our wintry road foes
More daylight is always great
As moving on remains first rate.

Will It Snow?

Will it snow this year?
Many ask without fear
Our winters were mild
Pleasing this road child.

Right now, it’s very warm
And outside folks swarm
Enjoying a run or walk
Not facing a wintry balk.

That warm southern air
Beats the jet-stream bear
Pushing it way up north
Bringing milder days forth.

So, will it snow or not
Ties many in a big knot
It’s vague so just run on
Observing outside at dawn.

Having winter gear ready
Helps one to run steady
Stay prepared for your run
Being outside remains fun.

For me, a mild winter’s nice
I don’t need dangerous ice
I like running on dry roads
With seasonable episodes.

On a Christmas Run

Thoughts on a Christmas run
A season filled with happy fun
For this pre-dawn road guy
Christmas creates a happy sigh.

The roads outside are dark
On every early road lark
December is a dark time
Daylight’s short, it’s a crime.

So, when out on an early run
Christmas lights always stun
I can see them from far away
Twinkling along the byway.

Christmas displays are nice
View them is my advice
This December light is great
Decorations are always first rate.

Outside when the dawn’s cold
Few see but the running bold
Winter creates a slower pace
Christmas makes a happy face.

January looms on the open road
Promising a new 2025 episode
Please enjoy your Christmas run
As we note 2024’s nearly done.

Merry Christmas from Greater Johnstown, PA 

Categories: Poet's Corner

Tags: 2024, George A Hancock