It comes around if I go a few days

I like to believe there’s nothing I crave 

But the withdrawals set in 

Every time, like the sun settin’

I start to see life’s negatives 

People and happenings become problems rather than God’s gifts 

As if life is something to be plowed through

I even start telling myself things that are not true

If I went to the doctor, he couldn’t diagnose it

The layman would simply say I’m toasted 

The best of therapists wouldn’t spot it, either

This is day 3 now and I’m pretty eager 

It’s deep in my soul 

There’s a spot in the synapses of my nervous system for it 

Even the best SSRIs couldn’t explore it

The pool is cool but doesn’t fill the void

Cycling and walking are decoys

Tomorrow morning I’ll take my medicine 

Not tonight 

No, but at morning light 

Before the day begins 

For all life’s troubles, it’ll be sweet recompense

It doesn’t cost a dime 

It doesn’t take much time (but I enjoy it more when it does)

I’ll venture to the west side of the city just because 

And it’s not to purchase anything or to meet with anyone (save maybe God and the birds on the bridge)

It’s not for recognition or even health 

I sneak out in the morning in stealth

It’s something just for fun

But oh, how it gives me a fix 

My own prescription: the pavement and kicks 

Motion – my own body through space 

With each step, the negative begins to erase 

To simply run 

Where I can be alone, primal, free

When my worries are outgrown

It’s more than survival

It’s where I feel like me 

And the world will see: I’m better afterward

Kinder, less anxious, undisturbed

When I run, I see the good that’s becoming 

I think I’ll just keep running