A poem, one year ago

A poem, before my swim and surgical consult. Nov. 21, 2017

This is what physical fitness looks like.
It has saddle-bags and side-boobs.
Its BMI
Is just shy
Of obese.
The gait doesn't glide.
It might rely on crutches.
Velcro-fastened SAS "nun shoes,"
Water socks and flippers
Hide bunions and hammer-toes.
And yes,
Those are dark eye circles.
That is a turkey neck.

But this not-yet-surgically-altered body can
Swim 1,100 yards
Bike 8.75 miles
Conquer Fruitdale in 19 minutes and 25 seconds
Lug a camera inside torn-up courthouses
And shed 83 pounds without ease in standing or walking.

This is what physical fitness looks like.