“Top of the mornin’ to you!”
greets the leprechaun
as she motors past us
on her vintage aqua-hued scooter;
her bright, orange beard
flapping in the wind.
Runners stream onto the street,
their Irish pride shimmering green.
The four-mile road race
is set to begin at 9 a.m., sharp.
Conditions are cool and gusty,
but spirits are warm and celebratory.
A trio of friends donning
kelly-green fuzzy wigs
bounce up and down on their toes
for a quick warm up.
A few girlfriends wearing
matching green tutus
over marble-swirled, jade leggings
squeeze in tight to take a selfie.
Dogs stand next
to their owners with
clover-print bandanas
tied around their necks.
Participants huddle together.
A sea of green set to flow
down the opening, mile-long hill.
A variety of shapes and sizes,
ages and abilities,
nationalities and professions,
participate in the Saint Patty’s Day
road race.
Wearing green isn’t required
but if you want luck on your side
I suggest you pull on your
lime-colored tube socks,
tall, glittery green top hat,
or your “Kiss me I’m Irish” tee.
The race is about to start
and there is a tall pint
of chocolate brown Guinness
at the end of the rainbow.
Had one of those tonight at the brewery!
I love this line: “green tutus
over marble-swirled, jade leggings
squeeze in tight to take a selfie.”
I can totally see those girls at the race. I bet marble swirled leggings were fun to see!
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It always amazes me how happy we are to leave inhibitions behind and embrace the wild and zany on St. Patricks’s Day: “green tutus over marble-swirled jade leggings”, “orange beards” and “kelly-green fuzzy wigs”. Go figure:))
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Haha! Fantastic, I can picture all the runners in their colored gear. I love this slice! Great ending too
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Your writing is descriptive and evocative – I felt like I was there.
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I loved your description of the St. Patty’s Day race and can totally see everyone decked out in green of all shades ready to run!
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