(I guess shingles do a number on your nerves that affects you even after the pain has dissipated…in my heart I’m running effortlessly. In reality, I am nearly dragging my robotic left side, having to tell it what to do with each step. Guess I’ll have to put my Olympics dream on hold….)
I stumbled out of bed today
To the sound of my alarm
Stretched my body, rubbed my eyes
Left my slumber warm.
The sun had not yet shown its face
The moon still hanging there
The thought of running in the dark
Was more than I could bare.
Still, off I went to face the day
Bundled in my sweats
Began by power walking
Not into running yet.
I noticed that my left leg
Was not cooperating
As if in its own time and place
Standing all alone and waiting.
I was not patient with my leg
And made it keep my pace
As if I had somewhere to go
Or thought I’d win a race.
I was sure that this would pass
That my leg would get a clue
And join the rhythm of the right
And know just what to do.
So off I ran to prove my point
A case of mind over matter
I’d sprint with ease, like a gazelle
A dream that soon would shatter.
In my mind’s eye I ran like the wind
With grace and breakneck speed
The picture of an athlete
Running free and in the lead.
But all the lovely thoughts
That occupied my mind
Did not, somehow, reach my left leg
No matter how I tried.
I felt more like the tin man
Than a sprinter when I ran
Dragging along my stiff tin leg
Without my oil can.
I barked orders at my leg
Telling it to move
As if I’d somehow change its mind
And get it in the groove.
My body seemed to sideways shift
Leaning to the right
I struggled to keep my balance
I must have been a sight.
I should have worn an eye patch
When I ran today
Looking like a pirate
With my wooden leg.
My arms got in the action
Moved at double time
Cheering on the lower half
Of this stubborn limb of mine.
I turned my music louder
To gain a steady beat
But I guess my left leg cannot hear
Couldn’t pass it to my feet.
It’s hard to run one legged
When you’re going down the street
Resembling a pogo stick
To everyone you meet.
This story has no ending
No point, except to say
If you chance upon me running
It’s best to look away….
