many hikers
young and old
pound the trail
to reach a goal
perhaps a summit
yet unscaled
or record time
around the loop
along the way
their senses keen
eyes ahead
muscles taut
most decline
the pleasing views
no explorations
slow their pace
aerobic stress
is what they seek
the woods and fields
a changing blur
as they pass
absorbed in pain
we amblers yield
and mourn their loss
