Day Turned Wonderful

I toss through the night
I wake feeling restless and uneasy
So before I make that same short drive
That I do all seven days of the week
I turn the dials a little higher this time
I pick up the weights and lift
And lift, and lift, and lift 

Returning them to their cradle
I’m still not right
But I accomplished some little thing!
Now the blood is moving
The muscles are warmed
My body is starting to hum
It’s asking for more
So I stretch and stretch
Twist and twist

As I’m driving away
I’m still not quite right
I don’t want to go this time
But routines are to be followed
So I go — I climb, I jog, I learn
I drive away feeling a little refreshed 

Everything already feels different
The body is asking for more
The brain is begging for more
Some small part of me tells me to quit
But everything I need is already packed
So off to practice I go

Silent room, empty room
Worn wood floors
Phantom partners support me
In my imagination
They rarely miss their cues 

Wood and metal feel good in my hands
I find what may be one small improvement
That makes me smile
I take a moment to reach out
To a wonderful training partner
And dear friend on a journey
Interrupting their day to share some of the joy
That’s starting to creep into my periphery
(Maybe he didn’t see it, but joy it certainly was)

Realizing it won’t be long
Before we’re practicing together again
Makes me so happy
And I like to think
It makes them glad too 

I’m finally starting to fall into place

As if on cue, as if to also remind me what’s good
Another practice partner appears with a smile
We share words of our recent developments
And I’m connected again 

Afternoon brings another gathering
Practice, teamwork, harmony
People talk to me
Smile at me
And I surprise myself when I realize
I believe they mean it 

I talk to an infant
They smile at me too
I gesture at them
And watch them wave tiny hands in response
As if to say something back 

Today, even those new to the world
See me

Blessed with another great exchange
Of common interests with a wise acquaintance
I’m finally heading home for the day 

The day was long, but I come home to hugs
Familiar scents, skin, hair, voice
Even here, this overcast wet day
Feels so warm and bright 

Now I sit here writing
My belly is full of delicious food
My partner made with love
I’m listening to 14.3 Billion Years
Older Than the Universe
(Thank you, Andrew Prahlow)
I find more messages from friends
And I know I’m in the right place 

I’m replaying the day in my head
And finally, I feel I’m exactly where I should be
Everything has fallen into place
I’m ok again
I’m ok today
I’m really ok 

.
April 26, 2025