Poem 2: Morning Run
Lately, I use Thursday and Friday mornings after Wilder heads to school to take some time for myself to write. While I have a list of stories I’d like to eventually get down on paper (Mac Pages, more accurately), I don’t head into that time with a plan and just look at it as a moment to hone my skills and play with my creativity. Whatever I channel that morning is what it is. Last week, I wrote this poem about my morning runs. I’ve been a runner for a long time, though these days I just make it out for a 3 mile run 4 days a week. There’s nothing I love more than the cool, dark mornings which are the most peaceful and start my day off on the right foot, then the left. 😉 Over the years, I’ve heard many people say to me, “You’re crazy!” They don’t understand the allure of having those early morning hours alone outside. This poem is an answer to those people. It’s my reason. And whether you run, write, craft, paint, sing . . . whatever it is that sets your soul on fire and is solely for you, I strongly recommend you make the time to do it and get in touch with you who are before you put on any of your daily hats. Enjoy. XOXO
Photo from a trail run I did when we were on vacation in South Dakota 4 years ago.
Morning Run
Into the cool, dark stillness of the morning,
she steps out, alone.
Her only company, a fox headed back to its den,
skittering rabbits that make way.
The only sounds, an owl who-ing its last call,
a slight rustle of new growth in the breeze.
She takes a deep breath and begins.
The white light of the moon guides her
as she falls into stride.
With each step, she comes closer,
closer to who she is at her core,
who she was before she was somebody’s wife
and somebody’s mother.
Before she could sweep herself into
a pile of meaningless accomplishments.
Her gait grows more certain
rising fully into its power
until she becomes the motion.
The first glow of sunlight begins to emerge,
casting a golden light on the wings of the crows
who seem to be encouraging her,
cawing, “This way, this way!”
The sun spreads its rays across the earth,
and another day starts to break.
Home now, she unties her shoes,
and once more, she takes a deep breath,
prepares herself for the constricting layers
of everyday life.
Tomorrow, she will wake in the darkness
and step out to find herself again.
