Poetry | Nostalgia and Inspiration

The Long Run

Memories of a Runner’s Paradise

The Clermont Clay Trail — Photo by Author

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