I run down Nebraska every day 
Cross Purdue and Colby and Federal
Stop for a breather at Barrington
And pick my way across the lumpy
Root-risen ground by the skate park.

And I wonder, if I ran this route 
One million times 
Would the sidewalk even know?
Surely, yes.

Each time my foot strikes the cement 
It leaves an impression
A thousandth of a millimeter-
A quick kiss in the concrete.

So if I ran this every day
For the next 1,000 years
You would know,
Right? 

Hm. Maybe not.
It could be the other way around.

The sidewalk leaves 
A thousandth of a millimeter 
Impression 
On the sole of my shoe
With every lung-burning, stomach-churning
Stride that I take.

Until one day, 
I need new shoes.