by George Hancock
January
January begins on a Wednesday
Hopefully with a thaw underway
Early December was snowy and cold
Chilling all, even the running bold.
January brings the 2025 New Year
Complete with a rousing cheer
A new year, a fresh slate or page
We start anew as we gracefully age.
January is our true winter season
Yet, we can run outside with reason
Today, our clothing and running shoes
Insure we never suffer the frigid blues.
This runner enjoys January’s last days
Because daylight grows with sun rays
And, the sun is higher in our winter sky
Creating warmth and a happy road sigh.
Locally, late winter is forecast very mild
Pleasing this aging road-running child
I had my taste of winter runs decades ago
Those nasty winters had me running slow.
January 2025 begins with a huge smile
Promising road runs more than a mile
We’re all aging but running happily on
For me seeking the next 2025 dawn
January Miles
Thirty-one days with winter cold
Thrills few but the road bold
Those few that run outside
Braving Mother Nature’s ride.
Now my January miles are mild
Our local weather not so wild
I often run on dry January roads
Recalling many nasty episodes.
My predawn runs are still dark
But later, daylight’s on a lark
Evening daylight steadily grows
Creating happiness everyone knows.
These days my daily miles are less
And I wonder and must confess
I ponder those past winter miles
Run very well in January style.
I’ve reached my 70’s these days
More in tune with fitness ways
A fitness runner on the move
Maintaining a winter groove.
January miles can be fun
Especially with winter sun
Each new day moves us on
Even if started with a yawn.
January Daylight
Daylight continues to grow
Pleasing folks in the know
This runner’s out in the dark
Running on without a bark.
Evening daylight is very nice
Get outside is my road advice
We see more light every day
Creating happiness by the way.
Sunshine is a soothing thing
Even as those cold winds sing
Inside try sitting in the sun
Like a cat curled up till done.
Sunset on the First is at five
Yes, winter is still so alive
But on January’s last day
Sunset at 5:33 earns a Hey!
January daylight is great
It helps a runner’s gait
Growing daylight is so good
A concept understood.
February brings more light
And soon winter takes flight
Embrace winter and run on
Soon there’s an earlier dawn.
Snow Spikes
I run in my snow spikes
When conditions are yikes!
These days running less miles
But still with happy smiles.
Snow spikes keep me upright
Since falling makes one tight
Road bruises are slow to heal
So, snow spikes are the deal.
Every year my spikes are ready
Because our weather’s not steady
Icy cold rain is known to fall here
Quickly freezing those not in gear.
However, the best place for these
Is on the shoe rack ready at ease
This means my roads remain dry
And I’m not cautious asking Why?
I’d rather run dry January roads
Dreaming of upcoming episodes
Featuring spring and the color green
And when morning runs are less mean.
Every day I see those spiked shoes
Assured there’s never road blues
I remember, winter’s only so long
Soon we hear cheerful bird song.
Categories: Poet's Corner
Runner's Gazette 
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