Sometimes…the runner stumbles.
Just before the finish line.
The long-awaited goal ahead.
In plain view.
A bitter moment.
A loss, this time.
Sometimes…the runner stumbles.
In life and on the burning pavement.
Feet touch down.
Another mile comes and goes.
Dreams too, that we reach for.
And some, we never gain.
Sometimes…the runner stumbles.
We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off.
Life is a marathon.
Twists and hazards along the way.
Win or lose.
Each day, we take another chance.
Sometimes…the runner stumbles.
But when victory comes, it is ours to savor .
Cheers and smiles await.
And that triumph.
Hard won and oh so sweet.
***
PS: Only a few short years ago, I was a runner. I was also in the best physical condition that I had achieved since my early 20’s. What a rush it was to run around a 2.5 mile lake, without stopping and with ease. That was my usual route, 4-5 times a week.
I never ran a marathon. I had no interest in pushing myself that hard.
For me, it was more than enough to feel physically at my best. The wind blowing in my hair, the sensation of running along a path, blissfully strong and free. I do know what the term “runner’s high” means.
And best of all, feeling like I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Sadly, I did not keep up my regime for a number of reasons. I hope to get back to running in the near future. On the plus side, I am diligently working on getting into shape. Slowly but surely….
I have stumbled but I will get back into “the race”. 
Posted by Quietpaths on June 4, 2009 at 1:43 am
Now this G, is an inspirational poem! You made me smile and nod my head.
Posted by lissa on June 4, 2009 at 1:54 am
yes, I can relate though I’ve never been a runner, but that feeling of winning or at least accomplishing something through blood and tears does have an extraordinary feeling
you certainly use the use the phrase (Sometimes…the runner stumbles) and the prompt nicely
Posted by Beth Patterson on June 4, 2009 at 3:50 am
You rock, Geraldine!
We should do this together…cuz I’m right there in the same ‘place’!!
Thanks for this great poem!
Posted by Vesper on June 4, 2009 at 11:43 am
A great poem, Geraldine!
Ah, yes, the runner’s high… I remember the fantastic feeling that no dream was beyond reach.
Posted by gautami tripathy on June 4, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I loved this. Inspires me so much..
Posted by Sandy on June 4, 2009 at 9:28 pm
This one is nice, Geraldine. So inspiring, as your work usually is. A stumble sounds so much better than a backslide, doesn’t it?
Posted by SandyCarlson on June 5, 2009 at 2:03 am
So true, Geraldine. It happens. Life changes. We change. And it can hurt.
Posted by Selma on June 5, 2009 at 3:53 am
Inspirational as always. I like the underlying message that even if we stumble we can still keep going.
I am impressed you were that fit. I walk about 3-5ks a day, but I certainly couldn’t run that distance. I can just picture you running around the lake – that would be a poem in itself.
Posted by mia on June 5, 2009 at 6:53 pm
You go girl… I’ve never been a runner, but always envied those who were. You can do it, one little step at a time
Posted by Knitnana on June 6, 2009 at 2:38 am
This is great, Geraldine!
(good luck on your goal of getting back to it!!!)
(((hugs)))
Posted by Geraldine on June 6, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Hi Christine, So glad to read this!
Hi Lissa, It was such a challenge for me, getting to where I did with running, at that time in my life. I had just been through almost 2 years of being physically and emotionally exhausted, too sick to work etc…all due to stress. To go from that point to being able to easily run 2.5miles was such an accomplishment for me. The first time I went all the way around the lake I had tears in my eyes at the end. I also phoned everyone I could think of to share the news, right there on the lakeshore. The runners understood, the others…well at least they were happy for me.
Hi Beth, Sounds like a plan Beth. Can we be cyber-running buds?
Hi Vesper, You’ve nailed it! Exactly how I remember that wonderful high.
Hi Gautami, I am so glad my words inspire you!
Hi SandyL, I think so. And as long as we don’t quit, does a stumble or three matter so much?
Hi Sandy C, It can hurt but the “stumbles” can also challenges us to move forward and move on, don’t you think?
Hi Selma, I went from walking to running, very gradually. Short bursts of running with lots of walking, then less and less walking until voila!!! all running. It was great. I still love walking though, I still think it’s the best lifetime exercise we have. And so inexpensive too.
Hi Mia, I’m getting there Mia. Its a long road back but Im not giving up.
Hi Sallee, Thanks so much. Nice to “see” you again too.
Hugs and Happy Weekend, G
Posted by paisley on June 6, 2009 at 7:54 pm
i really like this prompt,, and i am glad i have a month to use it because only the inkling of a story will come to me this moment…
i love the repetition,, it is a great line and in this case an opener that can take you to many different places….
Posted by Michelle on June 7, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Wow, I love this poem! It certainly speaks to where I am in my life right now, running that marathon of life.
Good luck getting back into running. I know you can do it!
Hugs,
Michelle
Posted by jeques on June 8, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Geraldine,
This poem works magic uplifting the spirit – it is inspirationally enriching!
What made it even moving is the personal touch added speaking of your first hand experience, your triumphs, your struggles, your getting back.
We have moments when we stray away from our paths, but we can always find the trails we left back to the path, to the highway of our spirits where we could glide and soar.
I wish you well.
~ Jeques
Posted by Geraldine on June 9, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Hi Paisley, I really hope you will participate in MMM and often! You are such a talented writer and your work is so inspiring.
Hi M, I hope it helped a bit. Hang in there friend, the sun will shine again.
Hi Jeques, Beautifully expressed, as usual. Ill stop by to “see” you soon.
Wishing you all a wonderful week, G