Inhale—
my feet pound
upon the earth
I once thought
could support me.
But it’s not enough.
Exhale—
I reach down, deep
into my burning self,
for fiery gulps of air
seething up from dark
strong places, rising.
Even that’s not enough.
Inhale—
my hands grasp tight
to the end just ahead,
a cheering distance full
of unknown faces—
truth is, this suffering
reverence for the road
is enough to keep me running.
Dwelling deep in the forests of New England, Graham spends most of his time reading, taking walks with his dog, and learning new and interesting things (and reveling in cooler, more temperate climates). Born and raised in the Boston area, Graham was homeschooled from an early age. After high school, he proceeded to get a bachelor’s in Literature from Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia. He currently resides in the Boston area while pursuing a master’s in Education at Gordon College, steeping in the rich history of his home turf and a continued exploration of literature from across the world. He says you should read Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country and Chaim Potok’s The Chosen, because they are incredible novels. Also, read Robert Frost.
This is such a great poem! I love the ending
Wow! This is amazing and very well-written.
As a runner and a poet, I love the intensity and how this is poem is crafted. Just great.