A Selection of Running Poems by Bob Gassen of Canon City
Running on the Arkansas River Trail Shortly before sundown, I dodge heavy traffic, Make my way down a dirt alley, And head for the wooded river trail To squeeze in my daily workout. The day has been hectic – Teaching classes, voice mail, Meetings, arranging an auto loan. Light fades, But I still see the trail And the river Steadily moving to my left. At two miles, I turn back, Fearing approaching darkness. The river now glistens pastel orange As remnants of sun Fade behind the hogback mountains. Four large doe ford the river, The water nearly above their legs. I am alone here, Granted a privileged vision. Nothing is important now except The dying sun on the river, the deer, And my rhythmic footsteps on the trail.
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November/December 2004