Too Focused On Health

Retirement comes, I'm at loose ends, But blessed to have some loyal friends From work, from church, from family, And tennis, gym less formally, A men's group too for two decades, My social life had no blockades. I hadn't started writing yet, So not so many friends from Net. In gyms, I met folk quite devout For staying fit and working out. I'd never been an athlete, At first, routines were quite a treat, Pumped iron and swam and grew quite strong, But pressed too hard and worked too long, Was plagued in fact by injury, This latest gig a misery. Wrecked both my shoulders swimming laps, The older prone to such mishaps? I know this now but then naive, Sought no advice, did not conceive My older body worse for wear, Would soon require high-priced repair! Each shoulder took six months to mend, One wiser might not want to spend. A health investment worth the price, But time regained, I'd seek advice, Before pursuing fitness so, More balance lead to healthy glow (Though I don't make Charles Atlas proud.) Dare I to say these words out loud? Just health! What need have I for fame! Let me be me, where is the shame? Brian Johnston 15th of June 2018