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Marathon of Memories

The morning fog low over the empty streets,
soft as a whispered promise.
My shoes slapped the pavement in steady rhythm--
each step a heartbeat counting the miles.
I had yet to run—and those I’d left behind.

Streetlamps stretched shadows across brick walls.
Long, crooked shapes that seemed to shiver.
A dog barked somewhere—
sharp, sudden—
and I remembered even echoes can run far.

I passed the river, silver in the first light,
leaves drifting like tiny paper boats
carrying laughter from summers I can’t hold anymore.
Each puddle mirrored my worn determination,
the uneven steps of a life I’m still figuring out.

At Mile Seven, my legs shake like a leaf
but my brain knocked around a long way—
to faces I love, faces I’ve lost,
half-light I trailed too heavily,
mornings I never perceived.

My hair was windblown.
Mixed with the scent of rain and earth
and the faint hope that keeps moving me further.
I ran—not for medals, not for applause,
but because every stride stitched the fragments
of life into something that felt whole.

When the horizon caught the light--
it wasn’t a line at all.
It was the journey itself—
miles abaft me, ingrained memories,
and the quiet truth.
I ran just find myself
and somehow--I did!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 8/13/2025 6:37:00 PM
A FAV for my list, Rowena. The joy of running, I know it well. Great flow and message for us through this fine poetry, my friend. In your case it was truly running for your life. :-) You touched my heart with memories of my long runs with this one. Thanks! A poet friend in Texas, Bill
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:58:00 AM
Thanks so much, Bill ?? I’m glad my poem could bring back those memories for you. Long runs really do have a way of touching the soul, Sending warm greetings from across the miles!
Date: 8/13/2025 6:36:00 PM
Dear Rowena, your poem is a beautiful reflection on the power of running to process memories, emotions, and life experiences. The way you weave together the physical act of running with introspection and personal growth is really compelling :)
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:53:00 AM
Thank you so much for your kind words I’m glad the connection between running and inner growth came through. It’s a journey of both body and soul,
Date: 8/13/2025 5:41:00 PM
I'm loving this write, but I have to reboot
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:56:00 AM
Thanks! I totally get it—go reboot, and I’ll be here when you’re back. hugs (-:
Date: 8/13/2025 5:15:00 PM
your journey was indeed a marathon! These words were profound and resonated with me: I ran—not for medals, not for applause, but because every stride stitched the fragments of life into something that felt whole. A great deal of truth and wisdom in that line and many others. Faving, hugs, Sara
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:51:00 AM
Thank you so much, Sara. It’s amazing how each step—both in running and in life—can piece us back together. Hugs right back!
Date: 8/13/2025 2:07:00 PM
This was a lovely read. Like the shadows, the dogs, running, running... <3
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:49:00 AM
Thanks! I’m happy you enjoyed it—the running shadows and dogs were such a vivid image in my mind while writing.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things