autumn running

last week it was warm and dry
no wind, no rain, no mud
i ran free, i ran with ease
leaping over rocks
flying down embankments
soaring over hills
splashing through streams

today my feet are wet and cold
covered in mud, heavy to move
running is slow as i fight the elements
wind rips the skin away from my face
the cold penetrates my clothes
laughing at my futile attempts
to keep it out

in a week summer has gone
and autumn has arrived

blue replaced with endless greys
clear skies with threatening darkness
dry, hard trails are now
thick with layers of mud
puddles litter the paths
leaves dance in the wind
as the autumnal opera begins