Elizabeth Crawford has been giving us word collections to inspire our NaPo writings, and sometimes I’ve managed to use most or all. Today the will is there with gallons of inspiration, but the process is provingtoo painful.
When young and healthy,
I drifted through life
misusing the body I’d been given
I smoked, played games too hard,
overworked, ate rubbish food
the outcome unconsidered.
Pain is an unforgiving beast –
at times a nagging background
or else voracious tiger sent
to chastise the careless waste
of youthful strength.
The onslaught can be cheated
for a while but never stayed –
truncated activity remains
to frustrate the ageing will.
Mind over matter no longer an option,
I exercise my brain and concede
everything else to the young.
Vivinfrance's Blog 
Indeed so – and if the brain pains that is one area not to let up on!
I am lucky having the incentive that if I am not to let my little grandkid down, by this time next year I must have completed at least one swim of 1500 m in less than 40 minutes!
LikeLike
Oh what wisdom is in this poem. We are so heedless when young – thinking we will be young forever. Now we pay. I so resonate with your words, Viv……love the closing lines. Me, too (though i find even my brain diminished these days!)
LikeLike
This poem holds important messages, Viv…it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and not think of what comes after.
I really hope that they get you feeling better…and I’m so appreciative for your zeal in writing and being connected with our community of writers…you’re a huge presence in this world of mine, (ours), so thank you.
♥
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Hannah. I’m blushing!
LikeLike
You’re so welcome, Viv!! 🙂
LikeLike
I could easily echo every word you have written. I hope you know that you are one of my role models for exercising that beautiful brain. Last month, the neurosurgeon suggested swimming. There’s a facility near here, that with a doctor’s permission, I can use for free. Four days ago, I got a huge bundle of clothes from my sister, and in it was a rather striking swim suit. Think I’m being led. My only problem is figuring out what to do with my wooden cane. Goes without saying, I love your poem.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
Thanks Elizabeth. I enjoyed swimming and diving very much, but last time I swam (about 10 years ago) I ended up in hospital with heart problems. I hope your swim is a success – leave your cane on the ground near the steps and charge the life-guard with looking after it.
LikeLike
Hope the physio went well – physio for me on my tennis elbow next week. Sally
LikeLike
There is no justice when a non-tennis player has tennis elbow!
LikeLike
You and me both, V. The creaking of joints when I lift myself off the couch can be deafening, not to mention the fact that I’m halfway to the bathroom before my knees are actually working properly. Like you, for me it’s a constant background, sometimes (often, nowadays) far more sharply focused.
LikeLike
Rotten, isn’t it. I worry about my dependence on paracetemol, but it does take the edge off if I need to stand for longer than about 5 minutes. I’m off to physio now – not that it does much good.
LikeLike
It may not seem like it’s helping now but in the long run, it will.
Seems to me you’ve confessed to a few too many long runs in this percipient poem. 🙂
LikeLike