Wind at our back

Title: Wind on our back A camp counselor once, I thought I should glide I ran fifteen miles, at the airport applied A pilot took me up, above the Pocono grass But I got airsick when the plane took a pass. The pilot didn't want me throwing up in his plane He dived to the ground, like an eagle gone insane So I learned I can't soar, on the road I can glide. Nothing wrong though with my having tried. As a teen I ran track at Avebury High Sometimes slow, rarely fast, I wouldn't want to lie Then in college I hatched a different scheme I wouldn't compete, just run with the team. The coach sat us down, asked our time and event Each kid's time incredible, I knew what that meant I said "Skip me, please" ready to escape out the door But their good natured laughter rose to a roar. At the U of Delaware, I tried the same scheme I didn't compete, just ran with the team Came by in street clothes one day, but led the pack Then the captain sprinted, a successful attack. [chorus] It was a healthy time, and my pace improved, It was fun to go fast, and with grace I moved. When you're in great shape the road ahead seems free, Like running with the wind, like sailing on the sea. I had short encounters on roads and trails Other runners, unassuming, but tough as nails I caught up with a Marine, matched his stride, "I love hills!" he said, a matter of pride. On a back road ran a woman, a running blonde blaze I caught up, but there was steel in her gaze "Don't bother", she said, "I've run men into the ground" I had a brief vision of scattered bodies around. She was swift, and no doubt those guys lost face But she had thrown the gauntlet, I had to keep pace. Two runs I remember, they were so nice One Delaware winter, trees sparkling with ice, And with Westchester Roadrunners in fields of lush green Don't know how I kept up, but magic in the scene. [outro] That was 40 years ago, but when night descends, I think back to running with two teams of new friends At Manhattan, then Delaware, both let me come Wherever they are now, long may they run. And may the wind be always at their back On life's winding path, or off the main track.