Resuming at-home exercise at last,
to end a long hiatus – two months off –
I knew I’d ache, but soreness has surpassed
my expectation. Added to the cough
that lingers, I am feeling tender, old,
and weaker than I seemed to be last year.
It’s doubtful I’ll delay or even hold
the line, but I’m not done. Not near.

I plucked a pain reliever off the shelf
and downed it while the pot of coffee dripped.
I stretched and paid attention to myself
before I made the bed, or read, or sipped.
This treatment spanned an hour plus today
and worked.
The pain is lessened.
I’m okay.