Monday, April 18, 2011

Treadmill


we will keep walking
the treadmill each day
work out, keep up, stay
at a good clip, sync
to our age.

we’ll get used to our
numbers a solid four
for an hour - then
incrementally we’ll see
we’ve slowed down

three feels like a four
our meter will show
less time, fewer miles
and when we get used
to the new us,

we’ll slow more and get
used to it, or rail against
the creeping barage of time.

7 comments:

Ann said...

Trudge, trudge, trudge. It can be a struggle, but you keep on, Judy, on the treadmill and in life.

Mary said...

Just keep walking one step at a time.

Victoria said...

It is good for me to accept the inevitable slowing, believe it is coming slowly on, and not fear it or relent too easily either. balance always. This is a poem of great personal value to me. Thank you.

Linda said...

All you can do is one step at a time—and give thanks for the step.

flaubert said...

Love that ending, Judy. We do slow down as we grow older.

Pamela

Anonymous said...

Judy, your poem spoke volumes about the passing of time. I was trudging uphill today in Madison, a bit winded at the top, and thought, "Is this how it's going to be?" So perfect timing, and thanks. Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/willing-to-eat-worms-day-18/

Mr. Walker said...

"and when we get used / to the new us" - I like that thought. I think this way often of my children, that I think I've got them figured out, and then they keep growing and changing on me. I like how you've done that for us older folks too. And then you go and follow it up with that great last stanza.