Running

I hate running
Just because I’m told to.
I hate not being able to stop
Except when they think
I’m too tired to stand.
I hate having to meet their standards,
When they can’t even do it.
But when it’s just me,
And I’m free to choose
How hard and how long,
While not being worthy of competition,
I fly across the pavement
My feet beating a steady rhythm.
I run farther than I ever would
Just by being told to.
I do it to please myself.
And I shouldn’t have to do it
For anyone else.
Short sprints help me
To release energy
I wasn’t aware I had.
My muscles ache,
And I have a stitch in my side,
But the endorphins go to my head,
And I run until I almost collapse,
And walk the rest of the way.