Poetry Friday — The Exercise of Writing

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Last night I went to see The Spirit of the Marathon, a documentary film that follows six marathoners (elite runners and first-timers and in-betweeners) through their Chicago Marathon journey. 

I sat in between my two faithful running partners — women who get up in the dark 3 days a week to meet me at the trail and clock a few miles while our families sleep snuggled in their beds and the sun makes its creeping rise over the city. 

My longest runs ever have been 1/2 marathons. I’ve done a bunch of them (and that’s where I’ll be Sunday morning) but I’ve never doubled the distance. 

The film, needless to say, made me want to push on through to the real nellie. 
It also made me cry. 
There’s something profoundly inspiring and humbling about the people who train to run 26.2 miles — both the incredible physical specimens who win the darn things and the ordinary folk like you and me.

There was also some pretty powerful history depicted in the movie — scenes from the first London marathon, the first Boston run by a woman, various Olympic runs. All of which inspired me to post some poetry about our ancient forbears this morning:

The Victory Ode of Bacchylides

You quick Greek, Aglaus,
you earned the wild applause
you stirred and fuelled
that filled Poseidon’s field
with roars.
Out of the groove you moved
as fire burns a field
and up the track you ran and spun
around the turn
and back and then
again and then again
without a pause
for breath, you ran
to rising noise
with springy poise,
the men behind
like panting boys.

You cut no slack
on every tack
sped up and back
and spun four times around
the posts and down
again.
Your oil flew off like rain.
You won
by half the track
and ran straight on
so coyly proud
still spraying oil
to share the joys
you’d won with loyal
fans among the crowd,
who all got spattered,
ceased their noise
and to a man
they screeched aloud
and clutched their robes
and ran
and scattered.

— Bacchylides, Isthmian Ode, for Aglaus of Athens, Footrace, 5BC

(Special and delighted thanks to Ms. Sara Lewis Holmes who’s been my running partner this week in our co-blogging exercise! Thanks for gettin’ me up and makin’ the miles fly by, Sara!)

42 Responses to “Poetry Friday — The Exercise of Writing”

  1. Anonymous

    What great posts they have been . . . when are you gonna write that book?

    Jules, 7-IMp

  2. jamarattigan

    This poem reminds me of visiting Olympia, Greece, and seeing the field where the first games were held. Of course, back then, the “games” were footraces.

    It also reminds me of watching part of the Ironman Triathalon in Hawaii. As you probably know, they swim, then bike, then run. I remember being profoundly humbled by all the entrants, as I watched them push beyond their limits. It was extremely inspiring to an athletic wimp like me. Each had his/her own story/reason for entering. What is the human body truly capable of anyway?

  3. kellyrfineman

    Out of the groove you moved
    as fire burns a field
    and up the track you ran and spun
    around the turn
    and back and then
    again and then again

    So great. This poem reads like a poetry slam to me, yet it’s reportedly quite old. Interesting, no?

  4. saralholmes

    Liz, it’s been a pleasure running with you!

    This poem today makes me think of the triathlon films that my spin teacher sometimes shows in class. There is a 70 something nun who competes! I’m in awe.

  5. Anonymous

    Good luck tomorrow! Run swift and strong and sure. Mostly, have fun. Enjoy your health, your lungs, your dependable heart, and your trusty feet and legs!

    Mary Lee

  6. bernadettenoll

    Run, Liz, RUN!!!

    Half marathon tomorrow, full on 26.2 miler in your future for sure. I’m seeing it and I’m seeing me on the sidelines cheering you on. (with my coffee cup in hand!)

  7. Anonymous

    Thanks for a great week Liz! You and Sara are awesome!! May the wind always be at your back…

  9. Anonymous

    well, partner-
    by my calculations you’re at about mile 8 right about now. i’m sending big fat strong leg vibes with all my heart and soul. you go girl!
    here’s to next year- a full one???????
    love love love love love love love love
    k

  10. Anonymous

    Rats. I meant to see that movie. I saw previews for it, and it looked inspiring.

    hokgardner

  11. Anonymous

    Piece of cake

    You can definitely do it, my dear, and you should do it sometime soon. Just one. Although “just one” is what they all say…!

    Johanna…11 marathons and counting, much to the dismay of my knees.