steady forward gait

Yeeww are missing out, she said--
and I told her I was not.
Yeeww should press forward, on and on!

and I became distraught.

Well what if I think I'm just fine,
pausing to exhale--
taking time to fuel up,
to look on at my trail?

Yew cannot be that happy
if yer not moving yer feet!
She said this, and then--mocking me!--
she danced on down the street.

And I looked on right after her
but did not follow straight
I took in a deep---breath---and--

upon lettttiiing iiit oooouut,


I kept steady my forward gait.