How often do you walk or run?
A Life-Long Marathon
I have spent my life running
yet never on roads or through fields
I have run from my own mind
and my own life
And the people that ‘should have been’
on my side
Now I have people on my side
I run less and walk more
But still – too often
life is a sprint from hurt
a sudden dash for isolation
a nervous peep from behind a rock
Is it safe to be me yet?
One day – maybe
But only with special people
Who understand that they’re fallible too
and aren’t afraid of that
People who recognise the human condition
doesn’t include a perfection clause
Means you hurt sometimes
make the wrong decisions
get in a mess
These are the ones who will allow you
to be
because they’re not scared
don’t need to be better than others
and prize life above money and success
They don’t polarise
don’t take their identity from left or right
colour – race – gender – religion
They are love – acceptance – inclusion
and with these people
you can finally stop running
Be one
And everyone thrives
Deb Hawken – Amorah
September 2025
Turn around
I don’t like revisiting the negative. To a large extent I’ve beaten my negativity. Yet this year has been a struggle in some ways and negative feelings are a valid outcome.
A dear friend has taken a real-hammer blow this year, the loss of a son at 39. She has felt bad for being completely devastated, but the reaction is as expected by everyone who knows and loves her, and him. She keeps going though, with so much courage. Still keeping as eye on everyone else.
What this poem says though is:
If you surround yourself with the right people, you will never have to run as much, for too long, or alone. Your friends will run alongside you, sharing strength, holding your hand, and helping you to reach a happier place. Just walk away from those who don’t and you’ll never have to run again.
Best love
Deb xx
Deb Hawken - Amorah 