Running a marathon,

poems—not miles–

watch out for the potholes,

the detours,

and dogs—yes, dogs too;

vicious little yappers,

ankle nipping

confidence grabbers,

that tell you you’re not gonna make it through–

Listen, this is what you are gonna do:

Grab that pen, and high jump for the sky;

Paper stamped, and flying by,

and when the 24 have turned,

Wear your ‘I did it!’ button

that you’ve earned.

Just. Keep. Running.