The countdown has begun to the start of the 113th Boston Marathon. In 25 days, I will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime. I have written a series of poems which express this amazing journey. Here is the 2nd poem in this series:
Marathon Metamorphosis - May 7, 2008 Pounding
pavement, feeling strength the journey now begun training for
the race of my life a 26.2 mile run. Feeling God in every
step in every beat of my heart I undertake this challenge as
a new chapter of my life I start.
I ran around in circles carrying baggage by the
ton, destination was survival hardened shell let in no
one. Fear and worry doubts prevailed, adrenaline in my veins a
headless horseman running wild no one to take the reins.
Stopping in my tracks I froze no longer could I move - clawing,
fighting had to cease there was nothing more to prove. God's
grace touched like a magic wand, a softness and a glow emerging
from a troubled past my blood began to flow.
Loving teachers lit the way their love a healing balm
- focusing on who I am now brings a sense of calm. Stretching
every muscle feeling God in every cell wholeness now a
blessing out of prison - no more hell.
The race is still a year away each day my dream I see mind,
body, spirit tuning turning toward the Voice of Thee. Flexing
what had once been stiff to brace against the pain old habits
die and I'm reborn to write a new refrain.
And when the starting gun goes off poised with strength and
grace the thunder of the running feet will help me set my
pace. But the starting line's the finish my race already
won achieving the impossible preparing for this run.
The healing power of self love and faith to spark the
flame transformed me from a victim who was filled with so much
shame. Unearth my buried treasures my inheritance I
find connected to my Loving God in my heart and mind.
And when I cross the finish line the greatest cheer of all has
been this magnificent journey of answering God's call.