Standstill

When does stillness become inertia

Earthling dear?

If immobility equates with idleness

and lack of motivation is a choice

is that an option?

In the process of aging

 - having utilized the well-springs of youth and the chance

 to fine-tune ignorance and ineptitude

 into skill, finesse and economy of motion

 isn’t it natural that the bodymind slows down, with wear and tear 

despite optimum maintenance -

diet, exercise, state of mind

particularly, if abused or neglected.

Then what?

A creeping decrepitude sets in;

a sudden downfall or demise,

a premature surrender of mind 

and collapse into entropy

or stupid resistance to a feared unknown,

a belated appreciation of every breath and moment.

Dear me, dear one! 

Whata panicky, unnecessary drama 

when timely stillness is a gift - 

 the opportunity to ponder, listen  and revere;

explore gratitude and remorse:

all those things we hurried by

and didn’t see, avoided, abandoned 

or ran from - too busy surviving, 

keeping up with racing hours 

and all the needs to do:

 earn livings, bring up families,

keep fit, informed and involved

until it morphs into a being-base

 - in a consummation of one’s past

to catch one unawares 

like the autumn leaves crisply drying

time for the fruits to ripen;

for some internal chemical or hormone to trigger readiness,

predisposed for graceful letting-go

 - the final moment they fall to the ground

reliant on an external gust of wind

 or a passing bird 

rather than to act by will or wish;

but with conscious ease, 

light as a feather.

Dec