Steam across the invisible finish line
Or maybe it’s visible — a sewer cap, a crack in the asphalt, a parked car
While birds wing overhead, dark against a blue so bright it seems to glitter.
Breath puffs, vapor, dissipating as quickly as the ache of effort
Replaced by wholeness, equilibrium, the satisfaction of exertion.
Rejuvenation — not a jolt, rather a freshly-evened keel.
Welcome, new day
With a heart, mind, and spirit at once softened and steeled
With wind-blown, salt-crusted love, with gratitude,
With grace received.
The end of the run is just the beginning.
