Running

My new passion is running even though I am older and out of shape It has begun to grow on me like a sweet vine It was torture at first and I even talked myself out of the first two miles Then on the third mile I was home free The best part of running is giving myself continual pep talks I pray, solve life’s problems, and try and locate all the cute dogs in my neighborhood One day a stray dog came and ran a half mile beside me I named this lil fellow Angel Dog and he has maintained that name for the last four years Today as I was running I saw a double amputee on the bike path ahead of me His gait was smooth and steady as though he were born with those artificial limbs I began to feel my right knee ache and swell and then I glanced over at him He inspired me beyond compare! One day in his life would make me appreciate my swollen knee For at least I have a knee His were sawed off above that point He was my hero and as I saw him effortlessly advance toward the main road Then a new energy emerged in me and I began to dash home Never looking back to where I had run from He gave me wind in my wings He made me forget my pain He reminded me that this exercising was not in vain It strengthened more than my legs and gave me stamina It strengthened my resolve in myself to be a better me Gwendolen Rix 8-16-14