All You Can

You never thought you’d be alone

This far down the line

But I know what’s been on your mind

You’re afraid it’s all been wasted time

- The Eagles

Another day.

Wake up, stretch, exercises:

the familiar routine.

Doing everything you can.

.

Compression sleeve or no?

Tylenol or no?

No and no.

Lets see what happens today.

.

Down the same old supplements.

Marvel how the white bottles

dominate the cabinet now.

Taking everything I can.

.

Usual twinges or new pain?

Loose joint or stiff?

Usual and loose.

Let’s see what happens today.

.

Take comfort

that you’ve done all you can.

Now take a deep breath

and face the Unknown.

.

Feel the familiar sensation

of color draining from your face.

When that routine ache

gives way to new pain.

.

Relive the same thousand fears

wondering how high the bill

and how great the damage this time.

All part of the routine.

.

Stumble home

at the end of the long day.

Tired of the world

and tired of yourself.

.

Feel the same flicker of optimism

as you do the usual rehab.

Maybe it’s not so bad.

At least you know

you’ve done all you can.

.

Today went to hell.

But the day is done.

Maybe tomorrow.