Long Distance Runners

We don’t run the way we used to
ten kilometers pounding 
hard through switchback trails 
to beat the twilight

Twenty-odd years ago
you wanted marriage 
kids and a life
any life
away from your parents 

but nothing of marriage, held 
my imagination 
like Big Apple freaks 
casually smoking 
creatively shaping 
thoughts of a future self

And then you went and 
lived your life -  exactly as planned
while I stayed and 
got lost in the idea of it

And now when we run 
I can always see
shadows falling 
away from ourselves
moving toward 
the finish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

George   Avatar
July 12, 2011 at 5:48 AM
Brilliant, Jen. You were born to be a writer. Love, Elaine
Poet Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 6:39 PM
A beautiful poem here Soulfire...Congrats on your win..
Neels Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 1:31 PM
Awesome write especially your last stanza ;) Congratulations on your win ;)
A   Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 12:28 PM
SOULFIRE~ CONGRATULATIONS~ AND THANKS FOR THE ENTRY,..P.D.
K. Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Congrats Soulfire on your very interesting write with thought provoking metaphors...that last stanza sure leaves a lasting image with me...
Mehta Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 9:25 AM
My congratulations on the win in the contest of p.d., soulfire
Sweetheart Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Congrats Soulfire on your excellent win in PD's contest of last post... great as all other posts of your creativity luv..enjoy..
Onclaud Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 2:50 AM
soulfire, a re-read that still conquers me.. perky cheers for the amazing award!! :) huggs
Nair Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 12:22 AM
You have got a strikingly elegant style. soulfire.
Dietrich Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 1:36 PM
a most interesting write, Soulfire. Love your style!
Onclaud Avatar
May 23, 2011 at 1:20 PM
the determination to run your life the way you wish it to be is exactly why you are here, methinks...lines so free-wheeling and subtly bold, i am struck, soul... greeat job! :) huggs, nette
Devonshire Avatar
May 21, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Wow! Stunning, Soulfire. I still have chills thinking about the shadows falling away as you approach the finish line. Awesome work! Love, Carolyn
Seraphin Avatar
May 21, 2011 at 2:31 AM
* “Smile * Ow * Perceptions & Views & Starts & Finishes * I Love The Sincerety of A Soulful Voice Amid This Wonderful Verse * A Voice Spoken Unto The Near & Dear * Gifted & Precious Soulfire * Yet In My Own Eternal View * A Pit Stop Would Be 'The Only Stop;' If Even At All. * I Love Your Last Stanza's Breath of Hopes Life & Light It So Seems * Very Nice * Sincerely Yours * Sarah” *
Sweetheart Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 10:29 PM
super genius write Soulfire... hope u are having a great weekend luv.. your lines are delightful luv..
Foulk Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 7:04 PM
very creative piece of work, enjoyed it.
Long Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 4:43 PM
this is beautiful nicely done. I have enjoyed your write tonight. cory
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace