He measured himself by the stamina
he retained and watched it ebb and flow
not getting used to what he no longer
controlled by sheer will power, physical
prowess, what he had so long taken
for granted. He watched his body and soul
and mind the way he read deer sign
that told him what he needed to know.
The knowledge was mixed. Something
like wisdom seemed near, something
like understanding a life that in retrospect
seemed ordered by time and circumstances’
logic he now only began to get. He thought,
ageing is not the same as getting old,
and what he had to do today that would
carry over into tomorrow, said,
“Everything’s okay.” And got another cup of coffee.
-Byron Hoot
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