Entry #43

Out Running
by J.C. Montgomery


Pushing gently against my back, she lets me know she wants to race, again. I have never outrun her, but I try. It’s a game we play, she and I. Most times, I get a head start. During the day I’m lucky to get a few miles ahead, traffic slowing me down at every turn. But at night, the road is ours.

Just ahead, I see the crest of a hill, signaling a change in terrain. Here is where I lose a little time as the incline slows me down allowing her to gain ground. She comes up fast and does all she can to meet me at the top of the hill. I lean forward, giving my bike every chance to take the incline at the best possible moment, and at the fastest possible speed.

I don’t look back. It’s not necessary, as she is there waiting for me. Like I said, I can never outrun her. How can you race the running wind and ever hope to win? You don’t. You simply play the game and enjoy the brusque breeze of victory as it whips across your face, taking your breath away. However it’s never enough to prevent me from whispering her a song as I race down the hill demanding a rematch, hoping to make the next crest before she does.

Away out here they have a name for rain and wind and fire.
The rain is Tess, the fire's Joe and they call the wind Mariah.

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“They Call the Wind Mariah”
Words and Music by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe