Runner’s Morning
Intermittent rain…
I put on my running gear
Less than 50 days to go – the Comrades is near.
So I do what I love doing best
Going for a run – forgetting the rest.
The cars still have their lights on – piercing the dark
It’s even too wet for the dogs to bark.
Two kilometers later – my muscles are now warm
The dark clouds tell me: there’s going to be a storm.
From far-away I smell the smoke of a fire
It’s lifting my spirit even higher.
I greet the dark figures who are warming their bodies
They laugh and wave back at me “hey we’re all buddies”.
Standing at the fire on the corner of the street
Cooking their pap – just waiting to eat.
If you have also experienced that feeling -
Felt so alive running and happy just being -
If you carry the same memories deep in your mind –
Then I know you are one of a special kind:
A runner…
The cars drive past me as I run next to the street
Another lone runner on the other side I greet.
The car tyres making a swishing sound
My pace increases – I am now making ground.
I leave the road now heading for my track
Its’ still a while before I’ll be back.
Every bush is now greeting me with a wet arm
The track is leading me to Hedianga Farm.
The rain in the ground is releasing a sweet smell
Some early birds in the trees - a story they tell.
If you have also experienced that feeling -
Felt so alive running and happy just being -
If you carry the same memories deep in your mind –
Then I know you are one of a special kind:
A runner…
The soothing rain has softened the brown ground
As my shoes hit the track – I can hear no sound.
The drizzle gets harder – it’s actually raining now
No sweat – but water dripping from my brow.
As I am running I’m clearing my busy mind -
Solve every little problem that I can find.
And as this peaceful process takes place
I realise again that running must be God’s grace.
And high on a mountain I cherish the sight
My hometown lies there sleepy in the first light.
Now I am heading home – my journey back
I say goodbye to my muddy track.
Back next to road the car horns blow
Commuters stressing as to work they go.
Two hours – great times always pass just too fast
So remember: Never wish that your run should pass.
It’s light now as I reach my home gate
Now got to hurry to work it’s getting late.
I have an appointment with my computer
In a short while I will also be a commuter.
So I thank The Lord for the gift to run
It doesn’t matter if it is in rain, wind or sun.
If you have also experienced that feeling -
Felt so alive running and happy just being -
If you carry the same memories deep in your mind –
Then I know you are one of a special kind:
A runner…
**Dieter Gloeck
