sacrifice

A senseless series of suppers

I wouldn’t normally reblog my own post but this seems relevant today after the murder of a Member of Parliament outside their constituency surgery. The silencing of those who tirelessly advocate for others is something that I find truly abhorrent. Another voice lost, another sad stain on our society to sicken the soul.

the jericho roads

Would you have chosen the same

if you had known? Blown by the winds

of change and dissatisfaction.

A little goat’s milk, perhaps

some hard boiled eggs.

Would you take direction

from those who would document

your campaign or refrain

from hot sauce and hot topics

to settle for some corned beef?

Would it be a release, a relief

to know of your ultimate consumption?

Sit me up, turn me loose

the proof is in the pudding.

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Behind the scenes

Some recognition of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make a hill race happen. Last year’s Slioch Horseshoe features in the latest edition of The Fellrunner. One of many great photos documenting the race by Phil Hindell.

Fellrunner photo

The loneliness of the long distance volunteer

It’s the same old faces at all the races

scribbling and scratching and watching

over their wards, who threaten to reciprocate

over cake and lashings of tea.

 

But those older, bolder and increasingly colder

guardians and shit-givers are left standing,

demanding aid whilst the promises fade

and a word of thanks remains a word.

 

A world of difference between doing and doing

but in the long run the sacrifice does not come

from those who toe the line and post a time

but those that would, and could, “but…”

 

It’s the same old faces at all the races

scribbling and scratching and watching

over their wards, who threaten to reciprocate

over cake and lashings of tea.

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The time to accept

There are harsh realities. I have to accept that my running is a selfish thing. From training to racing, it is entirely dependent on the acceptance, goodwill and generosity of others; family, friends, strangers. When we talk about commitment and sacrifice the greatest is usually demonstrated by those who support our endeavours. If we value our freedom to run and race we ignore this fact at our peril. It is worth considering how we repay such gifts.

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