Glory

Breathe deep

     feel the rush of air -

fresh, carbon-polluted, pollen-filled air -

     traveling down into your chest

filling your lungs

     expanding your rib cage

shooting pain through your third and fourth rib

     right above your heart

Breathe deep

     while the music plays in your white earbuds and your feet -

size 13, boat-like, long toed feet -

     slap the pavement in your

adidas running shoes

     that aren’t quite wide enough

so the tips of your toes

     begin to ache and burn

Breathe deep

     when your body -

6’3”, 180 pound, fleshy body -

     begins to burn

in all the right places

     like your thighs; your calves;

that spot where your shoulder blade sticks out of your back

     and your arms continue to pump 

and your legs continue the monotonous motion:

     left, right; left, right

Breathe deep

     as you finish -

glorious, wonderful, disgusting finish -

     and stumble up the front steps

into your home,

     to your bedroom, bathroom, shower

where the intentional lukewarm water

     falls over your naked, sweaty body

allowing the recovery process

     to begin

Breathe deep

     then.

In, out; in and out

     and realize the glory;

to the glory of God

     Breathe deep.