The Labels

The wind is booming in the chimney
drawing the fire:  its quiet song -
I try-on silence today:  resist
temptation of dayglo TV and repetition.

The sun shone earlier, it was warm
on my face, warm outside at
10 degrees and the birdsong was loud -
they feel Spring coming despite

ice underfoot and snow on the grass.
I am not defined by labels - defiant
I eschew the 'osteo' and live
with my body as it is:  no
amount of tablets will change

who I am, how I live, sleep,
don't sleep, rise, eat - all my
heart within and courage for the road.
I am the same person today
as I was yesterday

and me and my body have travelled
far together across the mountains,
through the desert, with all my loads.
I know my name.

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