Exercising Gratitude

Grateful for a new exercise regimen--grateful for life.

I pluck my backbone wide awake
with a few jumping jacks at first,
this new exercise regimen that’s me.
Willing spirit, like a curious child
but the body is sloth intent often,
an attic nailed shut by knotty
two by eights but not to worry,
for I have seen Marie
and she dropped
forty pounds
of Osmond meat, and I
hark back to when Richard
sweated to the oldies.
So, may these starting jacks
that rouse the lumbar
from repose
lay the proper groundwork
for intriguing acts that
sit-up, stretch, curl fifteen
pound dumbbells
and then, for that final touch,
do roadwork like Ali,
only I shan’t run
but will walk instead.

Won’t worry ‘bout the
spare tire that is age
nor the kid inside
wishing that
washboard abs
were doable,
or the plantar fasciitis*
which is the citizen
in my sole.
No sir, I’ll just keep moving,
and be thankful that the
beat continues.


36 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
6-11-16
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*Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.
The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament)
that connects your heel bone to your toes.