If we are fortunate enough to survive
all manner of bodily insults
and land relatively unscarred in old age,
we may believe that we can live like that until we die.
Then life teaches us otherwise.
When my young grandson challenged me to a footrace,
I didn't hesitate,
despite the seven-decade difference in our ages.
(Had I not been a sprinter in my youth?
The dash from starting blocks was imprinted in my mind.)
I bolted confidently forward, only to fall flat.
My body could no longer oblige.
Other infirmities have become constant companions.
My doctor tells me that this is the new normal!