Gillian Yarano   

Why I run

I run because I love it
Breaking the prison of reality
Leaping headfirst
Into the uncharted waters
Of the outside world
Letting my mind wander
And discovering my deepest secrets

I run to fill the craters in my heart
Where sorrow and endless worry
Have drilled holes in my soul
I fill them with pride
Freedom
Success

I run because
The throbbing in my side
The needles in my lungs
The fire engulfing my heart
Numb me from all pain
That threatens to cement my feet
To the unforgiving ground

I run
To prove to myself
I am stronger than
The most fearsome army
Faster than
     The evasive time
And can outsmart
The entangling earth
I run because I know it is a privilege
When anorexia stole my passion
My ability
My independence
Chained me to a hospital bed
And my parents stole my shoes
Locking the doors
To my wonderland
I lost my best friend
Running

I run to
Build my confidence
Stronger than the iron walls
That support my world
To strengthen
My body
My mind
My will

I run because I love myself