A: Grange, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland | E: info@mullingarharriers.com

“Escape” by Geraldine Walsh (3rd Apr)

 

Age is no obstacle to active involvement in athletics. The age range of members of Mullingar Harriers goes from 8 years of age to over 70 years, so in keeping with current advice, some of its older members are “cocooning” and foregoing the simple pleasure of escaping the house in these strange times and going for a quick run. Among them is Geraldine Walsh, who has been an active member of Mullingar Harriers for over 35 years, wearing the maroon of white of Mullingar at races all over Ireland, and the green and white of Ireland at home and abroad, even as far away as Brisbane, Australia. Geraldine has penned a poem “Escape”, which captures the thoughts of a runner who despite the distractions brought about by keeping busy, still feels trapped in the house and just wants to escape for a quick run.

 

ESCAPE

Lockdown has come, over 70s stay home

Ring your sister, get on the phone

Write a letter, you’ll feel better

Don’t lie in bed, make some bread

Clean the silver, wash the floor,

Do the ironing, there’s always more

Read a book, relearn how to cook.

Have some wine, you’ll be fine.

I’ve done it all, I’m wide awake

 

I lie in bed and in my head

5k around town, I’m wide awake.

21k St. Patrick’s Day, I’m wide awake.

Camino in Spain, 800k, I’m wide awake.

 

I go to the kitchen to make some tea

I look out the window and I see

The moon is bright, the stars alight

5k around town, how long would it take? I’m wide awake

 

I slip on the shoes and sneak out the gate

5k around town, how long would it take? I’m wide awake

 

The cool night air, the wind in my hair

5k around town, how long would it take? I’m wide awake

 

No people, no cars, no singing in bars

5k around town, how long will it take? I’m wide awake

 

The shops are all shuttered

I feel my heart break

5k around town, how long will it take? I’m wide awake

 

Houses are dark, don’t go through the park

5k around town, how long does it take? I’m wide awake

 

Now it’s not dark, do I hear a lark?

5k around town, how long did it take? I’m not wide awake

 

Good morning my town,

I need to lie down.