Lifting With My Legs

I remember skipping down a woodland path

Because when I was young - it was faster than walking

And not as much work as running flat out;

Skipping’s just the speed for taking in the scenery.

I was a kid then with strong bones and healthy joints,

Because I got my daily servings of dairy and vegetables

And I avoided swimming for at least one hour,

After eating all those recommended daily allowances.

Over the years, I was told to stay out of drafts
Because I might catch pneumonia

And wore a hat in winter so that

I would not catch my death of cold.

My bosses told me lift with your legs

Because it will save your back from damage

And so I religiously lifted with my legs.
And sure enough it saved my back.

I have never had a broken bone in all my life

Because of all that calcium and the veggies,
And I wore a hat and never got pneumonia – not at all;

And never drowned and so far haven’t caught my death.

I seldom skip these days, satisfied with a more leisurely pace

Because all that lifting with my legs apparently wrecked my knees

Running’s too much work, skipping’s out of the question,

But my back’s terrific - so far so good.

© 2017 by Tom King