The Zen of Running

My world is sleeping and fragrant
with its musty green scent
on a cool and quiet morning
I run, therefore, I am.

I’m followed by a moon shadow
until the morning light.
The dark to dawn embraces me
with rays that bathe my eyes.

The rabbit, deer, coyote are 
my ever present companions
watching me with wariness
on this bounding arid journey.

The sun is rising higher and
now running is my teacher
of what I can endure when
I am one with mind and body.

Oh, red mountain majesty please
transcend me to another place.
My thoughts drift in and out like
moving clouds in clear blue sky.

I gaze intently at my silhouette
as I focus on my feet, my breath,
my running meditation.

On the corner of Shining Star
a sweet breeze comes to save me
as the ravens lining up
seem to point which way to go.

On a road called Purple Sage
the signal for the end where
water never tasted so luscious
and now I own the day!

This is the joy, the Zen of running
on lonely paths and happy trails…
I run, therefore, I am.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Foster Avatar
August 4, 2019 at 9:55 AM
Excellent. I ran the whole way as well. (or walked rapidly at least) Lovely. Ann
Kerr Avatar
August 4, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Appreciate your comment! Thank you, Ann.
Pandit Avatar
July 26, 2019 at 7:01 AM
Nicely done, Sheri..enjoyed the read.
Kerr Avatar
July 26, 2019 at 10:38 AM
Thank you so much, Vijay!
Ashford Avatar
July 22, 2019 at 9:14 AM
Nicely done Sheri, I used to run, now I Zen walk! Like how you approached this topic.
Kerr Avatar
July 22, 2019 at 10:54 AM
Thank you Eric! Since you used to run, I'm sure you can relate...thanks again for the comment!
Kulkarni Avatar
July 15, 2019 at 11:16 AM
Very beautiful poem Sheri! Your description of your running meditation brought a little video of all the things you experience during your run in front of my eyes. Keep writing!! -Smita
Kerr Avatar
July 15, 2019 at 6:26 PM
Thanks for the encouragement, I am very new at this. I read your Golden Morning poem and it is similar how we felt on our journeys! I just can't believe how you all are so prolific!
Delaney Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 3:29 PM
Hello Sheri: Welcome to PoetrySoup: Love your poem...all the small observations and how you use them to carry you along. ....your silhouette and the rhythm of your running feet.....all in that beautiful desert background. You asked me how to add a picture. I will explain in an email soon. Enjoy being part of the Soup family. Love, SuZ
Kerr Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 11:14 PM
Thank you Suzanne for the kind words. It means a lot! Thanks for turning me on to this website!
Blown Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 2:25 PM
zen of sleep gets me...right...here : )
Kerr Avatar
July 9, 2019 at 11:49 PM
I take that as a compliment, haha!
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