Dear Running,

 

Hello again old friend.

I’ve missed our long talks.

You’ve gotten me through so much.

 

Throughout high school you were there for me.

Providing some post school activity.

 

You kept me from my thoughts.

Gave a needed break from my head.

Providing self-inflicted therapy.

 

We were not always such close friends.

It took me time to find my why.

Then I realized why we met.

 

You provided an escape.

I could avoid all else around me.

My family, girls, and school were there.

But you made it fade away.

 

All my problems, all my issues.

You made it all seem a distant memory.

For our short daily meetings.

 

1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3

Counting steps, and focused breathing.

Open stride, and arms are swinging.

1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3

 

I could always focus on something else.

You relieved my stress and cleared my mind.

To my body, you weren’t so kind.

 

My body sore, and barely moving.

Constant icing and incessant stretching.

But my mind was clear, and stress was gone.

 

So each day we met again.

To keep those nasty thoughts away.

We would take our journey.

But my mind would halt.

 

 

You’ll always be that special friend.

Who can make me forget again.

Thank you for all you do.

Until we talk again.

 

 

Jake Shaffer