Running Body

Running Body
By: James Dubeau

It’s true that fresh air is good for the body
Especially when running on city streets
Pounding feet against burning concrete
Gasping breaths are the only reprieve
For this exhausted body
My mind and soul scream
This is our body

Exhausted

Exhausted
By: James Dubeau

I
Am
Exhausted
Mentally exhausted
Physically exhausted
Emotionally exhausted

The Candle Burns

The Candle Burns
By: James Dubeau

Days grow longer
Nights grow shorter
The candle burns
On both ends
Soon the wax
Will burn away
Leaving
Only darkness

Long Days Longer Nights

Long Days Longer Nights
By: James Dubeau

Long days
Longer nights
This is the time
In which we live
Work to do all day long
From sun up
To sun down
And then a bit more
Even today
On a lovely Saturday night
My bed beckons me
For in the morning
Before normally at work
I’m expected to be on the job
For what is needed
Must be completed
Before the day is done

Evening Jog

Evening Jog
By: James Dubeau

Take a deep breath
Step out the door
One foot after another
It has been a long time
But it is time once again
No more than an hour halved
And I should be back
If I do not return within an hour
I shall be dead
Or dieing
On a street corner
Send out the dogs to find me
The sun hangs low
Peaking over roof tops
As foot fall follows
Foot fall
Music strapped down
Cords imbedded into my head
The pace is slow
Building up steam
Hip screams out in pain
Breath comes in pants
It is not long before the first corner
And the second
Slightly down hill
Steam builds
And momentum flows
Foot after foot
Along the concrete pads
Corner three is turned
An even playing field ahead
Fires go dim
Steam dies down
But I can do this
I know I can
Fuel is added
Stoking the fire
Powering the engine
Deep within my soul
Fourth corner in sight
A steep climb ahead
The fire almost burned out
But one last go
Pour on what is left
Pace quickens
Altitude gained
And I find myself home again
Shirt soaked
Body aches
All smiles

Can't Keep It Up

Can’t Keep It Up
By: James Dubeau

Balls high in the air
Bouncing one, two, three
Added four, five, six
Catch and release
Hands moving quick
Can’t keep it up

Irons deep in the fire
Flames licking high
From the white hot coals
Needing to be pulled
Hands sear from heat
It is to painful

Plates spinning fast
High atop the poles
Slowing down, wobbling
Gravity taking hold
Hands spinning fast and soft
Can’t keep going

Body aches and screams
Hands cramp and curl
Mind pounds and thuds
Time to cleanse
Mind, body, and soul
Determination will pull through

I am Mentally Exhausted

work, school, school, work
leaves time for myself
always on the go
never a moment to think
mind always racing
no time for sleep
sleep is for the weak
been going strong for months
full day of work
full day of school
all in the same day

Now, here I am
With a spare free moment
Blank computer screen in front of me
Unable to write
I am mentally exhausted