March 2020 SOLC–Day 19
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
My friend and critique partner, Heidi Mordhorst, shared the list below on her Facebook page this morning. I’d been considering how I wanted to structure these strange days and this framework really appealed to me.
created by Brooke Anderson. The Greater Good Science Center
In search of silver linings, I have been thinking about gratitude a lot lately, so that was an easy starting place. One thing I’ve been tremendously grateful for recently is having a treadmill in the house. After a year of it gathering dust, I finally started using it a few months ago. I was so surprised to find that I actually enjoyed it. Really! As long as I could read on an i-pad while I walked fast, I was a happy camper. These days, I don’t just like using the treadmill, I need it! And I’m grateful to have it. I still walk outside, but power walking at a set pace is a huge help with managing stress and anxiety.
I’m also very grateful for the role that writing plays in my life, and determined not to allow the current situation to take over my writing life. I’m trying very hard to find lighter moments or different topics to focus on. With that and Poetry Friday in mind, today I decided to write an ode to my treadmill.
Ode to My Treadmill
Oh, Treadmill, my savior
in unsettled days,
you offer salvation
‘midst pandemic craze.
Your deck is so stable
Your surface non-slip.
Your presence ensures that
I don’t lose my grip.
I ramp up your incline
and pick up my speed.
You absorb every shock.
Oh, true, stalwart steed!
I turn to you often,
as news brings more stress.
Each time, without fail,
you ease my distress.
The world may be shaking,
but you’re tried and true.
Oh, Treadmill, without you?
Oh, what would I do?
©Molly Hogan, 2020
This week Michelle Kogan is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup at her website. Be sure to stop by and check out her art and poetry.
Nix the comfort zone 
I love your ode to your treadmill. I immediately went to FB and shared the questions that Heidi posted and you shared with us. They deserve to be shared widely and wildly! Thank you.
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They’re great questions. Originally they came from the Greater Good Science Center. I went back and added that information.
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Those are such smart questions! I should ponder those daily!
It’s wonderful to have exercise equipment at home at a time like this. 🙂
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I’ve been really leaning on it as a stress reliever! Today I’m happy that I can get outside though.
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I am also thankful for my treadmill. I’ve listened to many self-help podcasts as I run, so I’m improving my mind and my body. Looking forward to your Poetry Friday Roundup.
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I hope you enjoy the Poetry Friday Roundup. It’s the best way to start your weekend!
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I love your ode to your treadmill! I am glad it helps you! I’m happy to have mine too.
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This is such a fun poem. I don’t walk on a treadmill and really don’t think I’d like to, but still, a fun way to honor your treadmill.
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I’ve been totally surprised that I like it so much. I can’t do it without having a book on the iPad though–then it’s deadly!
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Oh my goodness! Your ode made me laugh. It’s really terribly clever. I especially like the double meaning of the second stanza and “don’t lose my grip.” Please tell me that you chuckled as you wrote this – that will make it even better than it already is.
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It was fun to write and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I may have chuckled once or twice when writing it 🙂
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An enjoyable, fun poem. Made me want to go outside and start walking except I don’t have a natural incline here on the coastal plain. That’s the positive side of a treadmill. 🙂 I’m encouraged to get one for a more strenuous workout. Thanks!
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True confession–my treadmill isn’t set to much of an incline!
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Shhh, we’ll not tell anyone and just use the word ‘incline’. 🙂
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I have been SOOOoo grateful to mine this winter, and especially since the snow has melted (and I can’t snowshoe) and the rainy days have returned. Your poem was PERFECT! Here’s hoping for a short mud season!
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It really is so convenient when days are so short and roads are so slippery!
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Wonderful ode, Molly! It’s fun and funny but not too funny. Just right. And yes, gratitude. What an easy place to start.
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I almost feel guilty for writing something “funny” these days!
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Glad you found some respite close to home and it has the added bonus of offering exercise, and humor too–what more could you ask for–Delightful Ode Molly, thanks!
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Thanks, Michelle! I do appreciate the “close to home” nature of the treadmill–it’s all the way around efficient!
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A wonderful ode, Molly. You’re not just disciplined in your use of the equipment, but in your attention to rhythm and rhyme, too – with lovely wordplay to boot. Thinking of you.
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Thanks, Kat! Sometimes the challenge of rhythm and rhyme can offer their own sort of escape.
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The poem does convey your gratitude and I can relate. I should write an ode to my stationary bike that has been key to my mental health. “Oh, treadmill, without you?/ Oh, what would I do? Love these lines.
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My stationary bike always ended up as a clothes hanger. Of course that was probably 25-30 years ago. Maybe I’m just more disciplined now? 😉
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This is such a fun poem! After the rain we’ve had, I wish I had something inside for exercise! I, too, and looking for things to be grafeful for (and loved Heid’s post)–Poetry Friday community is one on the top of my list!
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The PF and the SOL communities are right on the top of my gratitude list !
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Wishing for my own! We’ve had a snowstorm & now I cannot get out for much of a walk. Heidi’s list is a treasure for us, I agree. This in your poem holds so many layers: “Your presence ensures that
I don’t lose my grip.” Thanks, Molly!
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Here’s hoping we can all help each other hold on during this wild ride. Take care, Linda!
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Nice job with the ode! I could use a treadmill also, tho I have taken to making a circuit around my first floor while touching elbow to opposite knee. Between that and regular household chores and a little gardening, I am doing okay, tho I wonder if I will end up with a few extra pounds as time goes on. We shall see. Especially love the daily questions… Thanks for this post!
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I got such a picture of you making your circuit!
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What a good companion your treadmill is! And a fabulous inspiration. The salvation it offers is perfect for these times.
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I surely appreciate it! Stay well!
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People love the quarantine questions! We’ve passed them all around. Perhaps, they’ll be a virile sensation, a much needed one. Hannah and i do miss getting our heart rates up to the 120s and 130s on the elliptical and recumbent bikes now that our gym is closed. We do have slow and steady walks at Long Sands Beach in York or the Ogunquit Beach.
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I edited the post after I initially published it to give credit to Brooke Andersen at the Greater Good Science Center. The list is great, isn’t it?
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I love your Ode, Molly! We used to have a treadmill, but sold it in our move abroad. Oh how I miss it, especially when you remind me of its ‘stable deck’. I now run outside, which is great unless it is snowy, icy or rainy. And being able to multitask with an iPad was such a bonus! I think I’ll start perusing Tutti.ch (the Swiss equivalent of Craigslist) for another treadmill…don’t tell my husband. ; )
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A friend gave it to us, and I think the only reason I started using it is because my husband threatened to get rid of it. I was surprised how much I enjoyed using it–as long as I have the Kindle App on the iPad ready to go. In the winter it’s so dark and slippery here and I love setting the rate for power walking. Our house is so old that I’m a wee bit leery of running on it. (I think everything might fall off the shelves!)
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You made me smile, Molly! We’re using ours more too, but outside is preferred. And we’re all doing whatever it takes!
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I’m thankful I have it as an option and can supplement with long, outdoor walks when the weather cooperates.
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I’m feeling this! We have an elliptical machine and I am so grateful for it right now. Your second stanza — the stable deck, non-slip surface, and grip — represent the solid sameness we need.
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I’m a big fan of “solid sameness!” Stay well, Laura!
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Cute poem, Molly! I feel similarly about walking on a treadmill (it beats walking in Florida humidity), but unfortunately my local gym closed. Still figuring out the new normal when it comes to getting exercise, but I do know it’s a must.
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Maybe early morning walks?
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Those questions are great! I will save and use them. Love your ode, and i miss the ability to walk and read at Planet Fitness. I do walk outdoors, but the road is a state highway and has traffic even though rural. It’s the reading i miss!
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The reading/treadmill combo is a winner! I feel very lucky that I have places I can walk outdoors as well. Traffic can really put a dent in walking pleasure.
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Ha! Your ode made me laugh. I bought a cheap-o treadmill a few years ago and my husband jerry-rigged a stand up desk that fits over it. It’s my email and social media companion.
And boy do we all need stress-reducers these days!
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I’ll take all the stress-reducers I can find! Your husband sounds like a handy guy to have around. I was luckily given this very elaborate treadmill and it already has a stand in place for an iPad–or one that works for that at any rate. I’ve been walking so much lately that I wake up at night with my hips aching…it’s worth it though.
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