Running

(after Climbing by Lucille Clifton)

Each morning I rise
hungry for the race
52 feels like 22 except
now I stretch
eat oatmeal
don’t drink myself 
into oblivion

I know that the end 
isn’t close
and it also isn’t far

along this rutted trail
I have wanted
oh, how I have wanted

resolution
peace
love falling deep
crashing like a waterfall

I have wanted more time

maybe I should have 
wanted less