Michael Lushington

TOO OLD TO TRAIN

Poem,

an old man training his martial art
Photo by cottonbro studio

Too old to train

Things hurt now when you move,
you deal with them.

One way or another.

Resentment and anger hovering
Or
Building patience, resilience and gratitude
for insight into how things are.

You forge ahead,
calm in the face of challenge

These teaching moments
carefully crafted just for you.

Things will go wrong,
they will break down,
everything does.

You learn to let go.
Leave frustration.
And just practice.

You use everything as teaching.
Insight into your next journey
so you’ll be prepared.

Eventually,
Quietude comes,
Conditioned by years of practice.

Sweetness,
unanticipated,
but nice just the same.