Running Haiku: A Poetic War Cry

Yesterday's realization that marathon training may not inspire the last twenty pounds I'm trying to lose to beat a fearful retreat inspired me to declare war...through what I hope is sufficiently bellicose haiku.*

HAIKU, THE FIRST

Stubborn belly fat,
you clinging (but shrunken) rolls,
oh, how you mock me!

HAIKU, THE SECOND

(Un)dearest fat cells:
You're no longer welcome here!
Flee my gut at once!

HAIKU, THE THIRD

Fat, you've been sentenced:
Death by interval training!
Hill's? Sprints? You're soooo dead.

HAIKU, THE FOURTH

Three miles today, fat.
Up and down the same damn hill
Didn't I warn you?

HAIKU, THE FIFTH

The fat laughs last, though.
Legs are rubbery puddles.
Hill work is no joke.

*It's worth noting that these "poems" are best enjoyed in the spirit of the worst of the beat poetry from So I Married an Axe Murderer:



Catherine Elcik is running her first marathon to raise money for a scholarship fund for Grub Street, Inc, and independent writing center in Boston, MA. Sponsor the run at www.firstgiving.com/runforgrub.