remain in play

as one “grows up”
the hands of an environment accepted by most
come at your neck
gripping tight & digging those
nails in,
stealing your breath
stealing your life
stealing your ability to
play---
if you swim with the stream
the frustrations that come with age
may present themselves in a more
comfortable light
because you have so much company
amidst those who have
decided to swim that way.

remembering how to play
may in fact bring you out of the death
which captivates the comfortable
igniting a new way to live
where the little changes magnify
those depths of life which can smother if you let them.

just what will it take to make you enjoy life the way you
want?

dancing in the early morning to the rising of the sun?
a swim in the coldest winter water despite all those that might
frown upon it?
putting that pair of pants on with the other leg first,
driving a different path to work, having a different hot beverage
while you slave away or
maybe just not going in at all---taking a well deserved day off
to break up the monotony?

the ball is in your court.