rubbing on
the sore muscles
i smile.

sweat drips
muscles tense
one more pushup

lying on the bench
hands clenched
breaking records

the barbell raises
over and over—
and never enough

top quarter champion

TOP half Chamption

bottom quarter champion

she steps on the scale
her hope
           at her feet

looking down
the lack of abs
is laughable

pace after pace
the jogger keeps
pushing forward

not giving in—
need. to. stop.
         the brain says

TOP half champion

CHAMPION

BOTTOM half champion

cold starry night
hot cocoa soothes
the stress of the day

headphones in
calm soothing voice
mind at peace

classical music
the rest of the world
disappears

soft wood
four strings and a bow
my escape

top quarter champion

BOTTOM half champion

bottom quarter champion

fruit smoothie
she can’t remember
if she’s added the rum

clinched nose
         down goes
                the drink

I took a pain pill—
yet, you
are still here

cup of pills
her shaking hands
a dwindling life