I never really knew what was expected
as me, what part I was supposed to play,
and there was always something rough
in my chest that kept reminding me
that most of my life I have been a runner,
only not one of those professional athletes
sweating out miles in branded running gear,
but running away, fastening upon the words
out of the irrelevance of sanctified forms,
and every year choosing seats a little closer
to the radiator.
hidden pilcrow 