TO THE RUNNER OF HARRODSBURG 

Running is his religion
          that heart pounding
          muscle aching discipline
          of stride that carries him to oblivion,

He’s been running all his life
what’s behind him 
          has faded
what’s beside him
          is blurred and
          what’s in front of him
          he can never reach
 
He runs alone
no one else can keep the pace.
Some have tried but
he left them behind.
Or they abandoned him
for an easier path 
          a slower way.

Does he run from the past
          or to the future?

He runs up alleys and
across highways.
He never stops for lights
         or signs
he is not afraid
he is protected.

Running is his religion.

Tony Sexton