Heel and toe, heel and toe,

walking fast along the road.

Walking back to health again.

I used to be a runner, run forever,

still dream of strides that float.

Wonderful elation of movement.

Now I just walk, but I walk fast.

 

Breathing more heavily

as the road turns up hill.

Shorten the stride, breath deeply.

No point killing myself

trying to get better.

Walking is OK, you can see

so much more on foot.

 

I miss the running but

my back is glad.

Why not just admit your age,

will you never grow up?

No, guess I wont,

if I haven’t so far

and what’s to grow up for.

 

Heal and toe, heel and toe,

pulse is topping 120.

Truthfully I’d rather ski,

play tennis, scuba or

work a heeled foredeck.

I will when my heart is strong.

Heel and toe, heel and toe.

 

 

David Garlick, Victoria, February, 1996