Running

Today I am not running for the discipline
Although I need it to grow

I’m not running to detangle my busy head and heart
Although the unwinding is a benefit

I’m not running to lose weight
Although staying fit is a welcome side-effect

Today I’m running to fight
Running because there is no one to throw punches at
No stranger to wrestle through the night
So instead I strike a blow to my body
With every stinging step in too-small shoes

I’m running because my path is splitting
And if I can just go fast enough maybe I can keep them together
Maybe I can see the sights along each trail
Maybe I can reap the rewards of both finish lines

I’m running toward either sterilized self-sacrifice or intoxicating abundance
Gravel grinding into flesh
Muscles groaning with all creation
Refusing to choose
Unable to stop