The Walker

 

Saturday, at dawn, begins another new quest

The marathon walker prepares for her test

She’ll limber and stretch before the gun goes

Then weave through the pack, all heels and toes

 

Legs finding a rhythm as head keeps the rhyme

The goal to improve and surpass her best time

Determination and wisdom etched on her face

Walking amid her peers with dignity and grace.

 

Every day a little older than she was in the past

With sights set on a life of health that will last

She suffers the setbacks that come on the way

A testament to her resilience, come what may

 

Though pace may falter, her spirit doesn’t end

Taking each challenge that lies around the bend

Every stride boldly defies the limits of her age

A model of perseverance on life's grandest stage

 

There will come a twilight, upon journey's end

A weary smile upon her lips, a message to send.

For, in the heart of every step, her story is told

Of going the full distance and earning her gold

 

s. paul (April 2024)