The last time
We were not prepared for this
for having to grieve a body
that is still alive
but a thief of life.
I do not remember my last run
can’t recall if I made good time
or if it was one of those
never ending
count the cracks of the pavement
the broken backs of all mothers
be it yours or mine,
kind of runs.
I remember the doctor telling me no more
like he was some God I forgot to pray to
did not pile enough at the alter of
gratitude for every stride
now
I drown dried petals in tears
do not recall my last real stride.
We were not prepared for this.
I do not remember the look on my mother’s face
forever remember the words engraved,
“what was that running doing for you anyway?”
It was everything
but you cannot translate everything
это все
in Russian
without also saying,
“that’s it”
все!
We were not prepared for, “that’s it,”
for hang up your jersey
I held onto my track...