Caroling Dusk/The Marathon Runner

by Fenton Johnson

THE MARATHON RUNNER

If I have run my course and seek the pearlsMy Psyche fain would drink at MermelonAnd rest content in wine and nectar cupWho knows but that the gods have found me wholeAnd in their stewardship of man would blessThe sweating lover fickle man once knew?

I know that I might pull the tendon bandsThat hold my soul together—ay, might bendEach nerve and muscle spirit fain would keep—That I might hear the maddening cheers of menWho when the morrow dawns forget the gamesAnd cast instead the dice in market place.

But I have found sweeter peace than fame;And in the evening dwell on heights divine,Betwixt my lips a rose from Cupid’s hands,Upon my brow the laurel BelvidereEntwines from tree beside the throne of ZeusAnd flowing from my speech Athene’s wordsDipped long in wisdom’s fount to heal the soul.