I am

sitting on my mother's lap

tracing words with fingertips

her voice rises and falls 

as worlds build around me

alone

they were my friends

the words and the worlds

escaping from reality

started to consume me

 until 

life was vicarious

inside my head

other people seemed to stand

distorted through panes of glass

a friend 

extended a hand

"you should join the team"

a mustard seed gesture

that started to spread

now

I hold myself high

runner sisters surrounding

positivity dedication determination

are the standard ideals

bonded

by sweat tears and blisters 

rooted together

summer fall winter spring

we keep each other grounded

I am

a new self within old

version 2.0

when a friend calls my name

I put down my book and go