Tremulous embers quake
in my gut, where restlessness simmers
and rattlers shake,
where a finger dips and stirs
the stew, the lake
of all I long to do.
A dose of dopamine for all-
blood and endorphins rush
to keep our minds and faces flushed
as we run, walk, crawl
to the finish line, the end,
and then proceed to gush
about our next start line,
lying just around the bend.
Has it not been promised to me
that I will run and not grow weary-
that I will walk and not faint?
Though people and places taint
and soil,
they will not spoil
those who are free
when we, with our insatiable souls,
go searing through every constraint,
like we're running a 5K for cancer
or conservation
or pleasure
with no complaint
and no answer-
such is our soul-treasure.
