A prayer for my legs
I am sorry, my short, but sturdy legs The legs of my mother, well turned ankles and calf muscles that draw compliments from other runners Sorry I didn’t listen to you when you gently told me “Look we are older and we have carried you through many marathons St. George. New York. Boston, twice Please, we beg you to lower your expectations We got back into shape after a broken fibula Torn tendons and meniscuses But you want to keep going And deny us rest so we can heal Give us a break (no pun intended) Rest, Ice. Elevate Respect our years and be proud Your age group in races is getting smaller and smaller We will keep you running If you just accept the slowing down We will hold you up as long as we can My strong legs, I am sorry I only noticed your wrinkled skin and the ache from sciatica And the knee pain, persistent, tolerable, it will abate I am sorry I stubbornly ran on days when you said don’t I will listen now and be j