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 joyful to just be out there

No matter the distance, it's always enough

And I will rest, Ice, and elevate