Toddler Running Poem by Jim Yerman

Something happens every now and then…it's something I adore…
when a toddler, who can't control his our her excitement…
goes running up and down the aisles of our store.

If you've ever seen a toddler run…their body shifts from side to side…
They are one move from falling over…and there's a smile they can't hide.

Yes, the entire time they're toddler running…between the counter and bookcases
their hands are extended out for balance…and there are smiles on their faces!

And when their parents look at me…as they faithfully follow after…
we often share a smile or we join in their children's laughter.

I was thinking about this today…as before me lay an empty street…
then I stopped in the darkness, smiled…and looked down at my fee.

Then I started running…but with two bad knees…I found my body shifting from side to side…
and even though I was one move from falling over…my smile…I couldn't hide.

I certainly can't run as gracefully or as fast as I did when I was a boy…
but, with my arms extended for balance…I could not hide my joy.

It seems by ability to run as decreased as my years in life accrue…
And at 71 years old…toddler running is the best that I can do.

But at 71…I also refuse to let anything like bad knees stop me
from experiencing joy…or having fun…
Which means:
Whenever I have the opportunity…
I will run like toddlers run.