I’ve wondered at the point of the efforts I make

It’s hard, exerting myself for exertion’s sake

I cannot lift great weights nor run any races

Per day, I scarcely cover five hundred paces

I am massive and I know it.

A stem overburdened by a blossom too large

My spine is wearied by the flesh it holds as charge

My back twinges and my back aches, a frequent cramp

Chronic pain has come to me and set up camp.

I’d lost grace and elegance, come to hate motion

Then I tried yoga as routine of devotion

Expecting no boons from ten minutes of patience

Doubting dedication would make a difference.

Then one day, I woke and tasted sweet relief!

The seizing had eased: the pain, when present, was brief

I cheered at my fortune and prescribed to good luck

Having in hand the fruit I’d tried so long to pluck.

But it’s not coincidence: labour yields reward

With each single warrior posed, I trained toward

Release from agony, liberty in body

And feeling at peace in the flesh that carries me.

I’ve wondered at the point of the efforts I make

Though small, they’re ones I learn to do for pleasure’s sake

The pleasure of walks, not winces, and restful sleep

The pleasure of slow-moving waters that run deep

My change is massive, I know it.