My father wanted me to exercise.
He called me sedentary, and made fun
of me determining to train my eyes
on books and paper, when I ought to run
around the high school track across the street.
I loved my dad and sometimes I complied
with his advice, but ran on hard concrete
instead, so I could gauge and stretch my stride.

Those sidewalk runs were typical of me,
for I’m competitive but not with you.
I never measure my ability
except against a goal that’s private. True:
I’ve no awards or trophies on my shelf.
The win’s invisible. I best myself.