Were I to run to the zoo
(Ignoring patellar difficulties, of course)
I would lace up
And head out
And begin my quest to physical adequacy

The interchangeable trees lining the path provide comfort
Or do they? I forgot
Staring at the ground makes me lose my train of thought
Oh, how I wish I was on a train right now.

The ground bearing the rain of last September
Allows a peaceful effect on my legs
Crying sweat of exhaustion
Pumping vertical heatwaves
I ignite

Scientists speak of a runner’s high
Hi
I say, as I pass able-bodied track enthusiasts
I say, as I smile at the octogenarians who’ve still got it
I say, as I dodge too-eager cyclists
Endorphins are moving at a mild pace now
An inner traffic jam of glycogen
And to think, I got a B in chemistry

A stop for water takes longer than expected
Shorter than desired
The dirt on my ankles brands me as having exercised
Salty sweat lines every nook of my existence
The smell permeates
Everything

Were I to run to the zoo
And back again, of course
I would lace up
And head out
And turn back before dawn.