Feet fall under
Never in front
That right knee straight
No music
Steps softly snapping
Toes stretching to grab more sock.

I pace to be reminded
Sore hips tingle for
That aging runner's personal stretch
No medal of honour
A purple heart.

Work day morning shower
Then sweat at work an hour
Daddy why is he running?
Faster than walking.
Didn't care to explain
The airy chant of
Restlessness and frustration
Exhaled with the most
Commanding push

Posture long since ruined
So tuck that tailbone
Head back
Your neck had better hurt
This is you at your best
A familial love
And the same lack of visits.