Although it’s not directly related to trail running or adventuring, I feel this poem will appeal to most of our readers. It beautifully, yet indirectly describes one of the most important reasons why I love trail running, and it’s probably the same for a lot of you too.
When running on the trails, I have the opportunity to slow time and to truly see the nature around me. Putting ourselves “in the moment” is not something that comes easily in this modern age. Especially when we find ourselves rushing around for work and constantly having our attention stolen by the beeping and buzzing of technology.
Todays information overload can be extremely overwhelming. So please take a break from it to read this, and I promise you; your thoughts will be provoked. 🙂
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun fading into the night?You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.
Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask “How are you?”, do you hear the reply?When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
’cause you never had time to call and say hi?You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.When you worry and hurry through your day,
it’s like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life isn’t a race, so take it slower,
hear the music before your song is over.— David L. Weatherford
