One Last Run Through

I knew I wanted to do this run before I left
and I'm glad I did.

thames river is a hotspot for tourists
and their slow-walking ways
not ideal for runners
but i did it anyway.
b/c for me running is exploring
and remembering
and i wanted to see all of it once more
before leaving it behind.

the first leg i relived my first walk
where i explored on my own as
landmarks gradually come into view
st. pauls here, millenium bridge there
tate modern, national theatre
london eye, and... wow there it is
big ben and the houses of parliament.
now my postcards will be legit.

i run further, 2 bridges beyond westminster
for the hell of it. and a local stretching like me
recommends that i turn around
cus the bridge beyond is like.. 2 miles away.
i take the advice, cross the bridge whose name i did not catch
and make my way up on the other side.

and i remember the conversation i had
w/ my family, my mother, father
and brother, w/ sis in the background
and remember how i wish i could join in
on the roadtrip to SD
to visit our grand-aunt.
and spend time on the road laughing,
reminiscing, eventually bickering,
but loving it all the way.
and i appreciated that we were able to talk

you shared your stories
about the girlfriend and the jobless summer
about my uncles and aunts and how they'd love to visit
about your europe tips and about
the baby!
and i described
the environment around me
the park near westminster.
then london eye to my right.
the cop car wailing to a different tune.

time elapsed. i hung up.
milennium bridge was in view once again.
so i cross. and i run the other side,
a side i've never been to
a side harry potter-esque in feel
brickstones and narrow streets
and diagon alley.

this is when i tire, but i think of mike pelayo
who just ran his 3rd freakin' marathon.
which makes me jealous so i keep running.
and am at peace w/ myself.
and reach tower bridge, but go even further.
reaching this quaint dock and narrow canal.
is this what venice will look like? i don't know.
i turn around and london catches me by surprise
w/ it's beauty.

sun almost down. the sky an array
of red, purple, and
shades of blue.
tower bridge in the foreground.
magic hour is here.
but camera's entirely unnecessary.