Here it is, 5 a.m. and I have been,
awake for hours.
Perhaps, I can write the words,
rattling around, in my head
and so, I'll make an effort,
to remove all the dread,
of ever being able to sleep,
for more than 2 hours,
in my warm, comfy bed.
Sleeping in my recliner,
is not a problem
as attested by my wife.
Switching to another page,
as I feel these many words,
trying to escape to paper.
I recall a friend of mine say,
"We need to run a marathon, one day".
My reply to him, as I recall
Was not me, not me at all.
We were already doing a short training run,
An experience, I would never call fun.
This was in December of nineteen eighty nine
And our training rules, we'd need to refine.
Running at least eight miles each day
With a long one of fifteen, I would say.
Rest on Sunday, because our set routine.
Our goal was to make our long runs
Every other week to protect our and ankles and feet.
The length of the long run, soon became twenty
And I can say that we did run many.
At last the race day was almost here.
Into the car, we made our long foray
To Vancouver, BC for the run of our year.
The next morning the air held a freeze,
So designer sweats of a Hefty garbage bag,
Over our head, it covered us to our knees
And we could shed it with great ease.
Off all the runners went, at their own pace,
With the coolest of air, blowing in our face.
From the Convention Center to Stanley Park,
The struggles were there, no longer a lark.
We ran with the comfort of our training
Time, now being felt, up to the
Lion Gate Bridge to North Vancouver way
A left and a right, turning to the East.
Then looming ahead, not a favorable sight
Was the East Bridge, with lots of height.
Down the bridge, legs feeling good.
My breathing was not labored, I misunderstood,
When an elderly man, watching, yelled at me,
"Breathe" which I thought I was doing.
My body was laboring, my breathing was hard.
We turned the corner, with the Finish in sight
And we sprinted towards that beautiful sight.
The elation felt when crossing the line,
I will always remember, till the end of my time.
The World we know is a difficult place,
Awash with friends and strangers
All with a different face.
Be not afraid of that fear within,
Just stand tall as your life will begin.
I lay in bed, in the still of the night,
Knowing not, why I am still awake.
Was it something I ate, prior to bed
Or a worrisome thought stuck in my head.
I rise from our bed, not using a light
And go someplace quiet, so I can write
Of the words, rushing into my brain,
Like the picture of an oncoming train.
My Dad used to tease me, sometimes at night
To wear a stocking cap, on real tight,
So when the wind was really a blow,
My ears, like a kite and off I'd go,
Into the air, like a string less kite.
All teasing aside, I know don't you see
My Father really did love and support me.
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