novice trackstar by April Yu (13, New Jersey)

Sweat festering on my neck 
The red of the track glazing into my eyes
Shameful numbers on my Fitbit stopwatch 

God, I just want to sit on the bleachers ​

---

Counting laps instead of miles 
Angry red marks across my thighs 
Blue running shoes dragging against synthetic rubber

Shouldn’t have had that donut for lunch 

Clouds overtaking the glaring sun 
Rain clinging to my eyelashes 
Red track paint smeared on the soles of my shoes

Will I be able to feel my legs tomorrow? 

Returning to the car sopping 
Salty sweat fumigates the air 
The not-so-sweet smell of progress.