Cherished Solitude

Jane Scott

January has a frosty grip on the day.

The air singes my lungs

And explodes in a warm cloud around my face.

Mounds of ice and snow provide crunchy challenges

As my feet search for toeholds of traction.

Running delights my body and soul even on winter’s dreary days.

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Getting up early

Crawling into my shorts and t-shirt

Emerging into the crisp morning air before anyone else has sampled it

Feeling my muscles warm as the first mile is done

Giving a little extra in the home stretch

Cooling down

Starting the day right with an early morning run