Poetry | Nostalgia and Inspiration
The Long Run
Memories of a Runner’s Paradise
Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.
— Julie Isphording, American Olympic marathon runner
Orange clay runs narrow and far
beyond where vision blurs
restless hearts stir;
call the long run
with swift feet
worries lift
physical feats
mend mental
wounds, heal
with each
passing mile
though it takes
awhile for this
operation,
rest assured
in the long run
such remission
put feet to trail
distance from worry
as long runs for fun
create connection
to what matters most
10-miles of clay
brought joy home
to so many who’ve run
your rolling hillsides
through orange groves
in droves, alas, no more
as progress paved your way