How far I've run

Look how far I've run, dad.

You always rehashed how slow I was.

You had spawned the fat kid at the back –

you hated me for that. How much you hated me.

Thirdpersoning me in my face,

setting the table for three

you, mom and sis.

If only you had noticed

the lightness of foot

the startling capacity to swerve.

What you couldn't possibly perceive

was the purpose you were giving me,

the fire you had started inside

and kindled – that rage,

that rage still burns wild, dad.

Look how far I've run

look at all the people who gave up

look now who's still running

look who's left in the dust

panting, their chest burning

by the wayside, defeat in their eyes.

It's you, dad. It's everyone else, dad.

Look, look how far I've run.

For I have never, ever stopped running.