A Moment of Pain

Sitting here, rubbing the ache,

a long day’s journey, like waves on a lake.

My knee throbs softly, a reminder so stark,

telling me gently to slow, heed the mark.

How often I push, this burden I bear,

a ghost of the athlete, who once danced in the air.

Yet time has its grip, its lessons well-taught,

with moments of joy that pain never bought.

I think of the times when I leaped without fear,

of laughter that echoed, of freedom held dear.

Now, as I cradle this joint in my hand,

each twinge a whisper of life’s careful plan.