Reminding my Future Self

Right now it’s just a distant memory
As if long gone, but I know better 
So now is the time to arm myself
Choose the weapons, don the armour
Smiling all the while, enjoying this time
I must remember to empower myself
And remember that it will be back
It always comes back, but forewarned is forearmed

I need to preserve some of this delightful energy
This focused will
This ecstasy
For when future me will need it 

I know I’ll need to be reminded
Of times like these
Skipping and running and laughing
Down smooth roads
Wind gently at my back
I know there’ll be steep hills to climb again
When it’s too dark to see the uneven ground
And the wind howling, stinging, against my face
It’ll be a lot more dangerous 
If I don’t bring protection
And light 

What armour is best against its onslaught?
Rest, patience
Knowing it will always pass?

What weaponry strikes it down, pushes it away?
These small hands, stretching
Reaching out to tap a trusted friend’s shoulder?

What can I prepare now, in times of joy?
Notes, poems
Written plans to care for a weakened me? 

I hope the preparations will be enough to keep me running
All the way to the other side

October 12, 2024