Poet’s Corner for February 2026

By George Hancock

February 2026

Sunday begins our February run
Now with a brighter winter sun
February’s daylight steadily grows
As I run past old cut corn rows.

February gives us just 28 days
Which some waste in many ways
The wise enjoy late winter’s view
As we bid this wintry season adieu.

February brings important dates
With events worth the going rates
Groundhog Day, the Superbowl are
Dates which have folks traveling far.

Valentine’s and Presidents’ Days are
Present and always above the bar
Although short, February rings
About so many happy things.

Now, running along the open road
This runner spies any early episodes
That foretell signs of coming spring
Or listening for any song bird sing.

Blink and February ’26 is gone
Yet, we approach spring’s dawn
Running steadily into a new season
So green, so colorful for a reason.

Road Cinders

I guess cinders are a good thing
But when running, they often sting
Been hit in the head a few times
By cinders from speeding SUV crimes.

Road cinders provide snowy traction
And their cost minus salt a fraction
Yet, they remain on the road long
Until that spring sweep-up song.

I remember once out in icy rain
And knew falling is always a pain
So, I ran on cinders on the berm
With foot traction remaining firm.

By late February cinders are bad
Although dry roads make me glad
Cinders cover my roadside deep
They’re here until the spring sweep.

So, does this runner have a plan?
Hmm, sometimes he’s a smart man
I run the roads in good trail shoes
Easing that road cinder blues.

Sadly, clean roads take till May
Maybe longer out this way
The rains will push a few away
Before the sweepers make our day.

Late February

February is nearly done
And winter hasn’t won
Outside runners on the move
Perfect their running groove.

Late February makes one glad
Compared to winter’s cold mad
Now we see the seasonal signs
Often near those green pines.

Early morning with birds singing
In February is happiness ringing
Bird song is a true seasonal sign
That often eases our wintry whine.

Perhaps the best sign is daylight
Illuminating our daily road sight
The sun is higher in the old sky
Runners know the reason why.

Warmer temps and sunlight aid
The greening in our early parade
Green growth on the road byway
Thrills this runner’s running day.

Soon, winter’s mean is behind us
And we can delete its snowy fuss
The next season takes the stag
Creating a vibrant growing age.

Runner's Gazette