Ignition

Ready.

My mind clears
and hands unclench
as the paths ahead
converge into one.

Get set.

The city dissolves,
and my eyes can naught
but see ahead.

Go.

The air whooshes
and fills my lungs
as my feet make contact
with the asphalt beneath.
My heartbeat quickens—
my body springs to being—
my blood rushes—

and in this relentless exchange,
I remember:

I am alive
because of you.

(as my feet make contact
with the asphalt beneath—
as my feet make contact
with the asphalt beneath)