the five mile run

i would run the path along

the mt. vernon parkway

for years.

decades.

the legs churning swiftly

up the hill

to colllingwood,

then back

to belle haven.

a five mile turn around.

in all weather.

three times a week.

the snow didn't stop me,

nor ice,

or wind.

rain.

july or january, it didn't matter.

how easily

i worked out the world

on these runs.

clearing my head,

examining my soul.

figuring out what next with

each spring

of my steps.