Second Wind

Inspired by that runners' high you get (runners, you know what I mean)!

my narcotic

is running...

no matter how many

miles are ahead, the

breath keeps moving through

me - the "second wind,"

as they call it.

that second wind

is the source of life.

it moves through the waters,

bends the tree trunks,

raises the multicolored kites...

my feet strike the pavement

like drumsticks, making

the rhythms of life

come forth into the

air, here...

I almost windlessly pass

through these lines

of human angels, playing

their own rhythms -

singing in counterpoint,

but

the physical pain begins

to pierce through that

silent breeze,

cutting off

the

breath

inside

and I lose

focus on

that which

truly matters...

the second wind

is actually

the first,

and

only.

 

Author's Note

Image source: Runningshoes.org

Reviews

[Teeya]

It's amazing the drive passion will discipline you to have. No matter what pains you might endure, you know in the end the reward far outweighs that moment of agony. I'm not a runner but I can apply this to so many aspects of my life!! Another wonderful read I'm happy to have come across:)

[Eric Pudalov]

Thank you Teeya! I always love your reviews. That's really what this poem is about...not just running, but overcoming pain and stress. And the reason I said "the second wind is actually the first" is that there's an inner breath that I believe is the source of life. We couldn't have one without the other.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Eric, I love this! I run almost every day and this poem spoke to me. Very beautiful! Thank you for sharing this incredible piece with us....:) I'm saving it in my favorites!

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks Ocean Star! Wow, I didn't know this would speak to so many people. I think that's awesome that you run almost every day. I must admit that I've gotten into a slight slump, but you may have just inspired me to pick it up again...I'm glad that you liked the poem so much, and I'm glad you can relate to it.

[Eric Pudalov]

You know, after reading this again, I feel like it ends on sort of a negative note. I don't know if that matters much, but it may be something I'd want to tweak a bit!!

[Bright Ocean Star]

I don't know...it adds to the realism. Running can get to be a drugery after awhile, and sometimes it's that second wind that you are wishing for the whole time you hit the pavement...some days anyway. I still think its a great write. My computer is having trouble saving it in my favorites, and just confounding me to pieces. So if it looks like I'm not saving it, it isn't because I'm not trying. You are on my friends list, so it should save to my library. I will keep trying. God bless you!

[Ghost of Jupiter]

Oh I love that feeling, the second wind breezing into your spirit giving you the push forward to keep propelling yourself past the limits. Fantastic write, Eric... you sculpt your words well here. Fantastic.

[Eric Pudalov]

Thanks very much, K!! Do you run at all?? It's become one of my favorite things recently...although I need to get back into shape! I'm doing the Peachtree Road Race on July 4 (which is the biggest 10K in the world)!! Thanks again for reading.

[Ghost of Jupiter]

Yes I run often... I love being out in nature and this would be one of my favorite pass times, seems to clear my head, and I have to admit I love to sweat (is that weird? haha ) I don't do races though, just not my thing... my do the color run though bc it is fun and well colorful haha...how awesome though that you are doing the Peachtree Road, you will have to let me know how that goes.

[Lyn Anderson]

Running is like that. I get to the bottom of the next hill, and I want to stop, but something propels me forward. Breaking through the burn, there is no feeling like it. It makes a person want to go and go. Killer poem.

[Eric Pudalov]

I agree, KL!! It must be the endorphins and adrenaline (although that's a bit less poetic)! I also meant this (to some degree) to have a spiritual theme, as if there's an inner force driving us, whether through running, writing, or whatever we enjoy. But sometimes I don't even know what I'm writing about.

[Ruth]

Makes me want to grab life by the horns and make it count! You have an energy to your writing that immerses me, damn brilliant! x

[Eric Pudalov]

Thank you again Poppy!!! I think it's because I've been having some very energetic life experiences lately...just makes the words come out. :-)

[Neeraj V Murali]

A nice poem... Lucidly written form.... :)

Good Luck!! :D :D

[Eric Pudalov]

Thank you Neeraj!! I didn't realize it was "lucidly written," as you say. At times, people have said my poetry is cryptic, so I'm glad that you understood it. I'd love to read your work soon.

[kublakhan27]

The question with which you end just struck me to the bone...it's how I feel on a virtually daily basis...I wait for that second wind that seems to never come. The only saving grace in my psyche is the fact that I've gotten lots of poetry out of that state of mind. I related to this one immensely my friend. And I usually don't quote entire stanzas in review, but this:

my feet strike the pavement
like drumsticks, making
the rhythms of life
come forth into the
air, here...

Sometimes I wish I could mute those rhythms of life...a most thoughtful and uniquely-expressed statement on the so-called human condition...I don't use that phrase often either cuz that's what poetry should do anyway, but you've taken it to a level that, again, struck me to the bone. Awesome work Eric :)

[Eric Pudalov]

Wow, thanks kubla!! This was also very much a spiritual poem, so it isn't just about running - it is about overcoming suffering, and going to a deeper place within, beyond whatever hardships we may be enduring. But I was inspired to write this during a run!

[kublakhan27]

My pleasure Eric, I had a feeling there were layers along those lines :)

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

We all have something that gets us high, but the ones that are all natural are the ones that stimulate the mind and heart and expand the soul. Top notch writing sir.

My narcotic is bringing happiness to loved ones and the written word.

[Frieda P]

Well um, I've never seen or heard human Angels, more like groaning on my part til I finally surrender to that 'high' ;) ...haven't run in quite some time, but you've written it to perfection Eric. The best narcotic, and even though it's addictive, there is no cure, just great results. Bravo.