Requiem for a Runner

Warm tempter behind, my bed calls me back,
As we run through the gate and onto the track,
Our sleepy, slowed eyes, still straining to see,
Though stars shine bright for Apollo and me.

In splendid chill dawn, near naked we run,
To take our first hill, before rising of sun.
Six legs to be run, two hearts to set free,
Though stiff, slow and cold are Apollo and me.

Down through the valley, quicker we fly,
But faster the day paints light in the sky.
From far below us the scent of the sea,
The gift of the breeze to Apollo and me.

We turn to the mountain, our trial and our test.
Soon lungs are afire, legs crying for rest.
Each step bringing stabs of pain to my knee.
The cruel peak bites hard at Apollo and me.

Through rasping of breath and pounding of feet,
Rises clamour of birdsong, the new day to greet.
The path turns sharply, and beyond the scree,
The crest, blazing in gold, meets Apollo and me.

In wonder we pause - we leave off our run,
As the splendour of life is touched by the sun,
Waking the blossoms on dew sparkled tree,
Prepared by our God for Apollo and me.

A wet nose nudges a sweaty, streaked thigh,
There’s love burning bright in a soft golden eye.
“Come, come, run on – there’s much more to see!”
Life was good then for Apollo and me.

*Cancer has taken my companion from me .
The colours of the dawn are now less bright
Farewell old friend.