Past
Feet yearned for impact, a heartbeat’s run,
Without cushion or luxury,
Musculoskeletal rose with the sun.

Present
We tease the body, wishing it well—
Training no longer a choice,
But a necessity in hell.

Past
The spine stretched upward, a river unbent,
A single breath of extension,
Grace freely lent.

Present
Yet we forget the truth so near—
A breath could gift us freedom,
But we refuse to hear.

Past
Muscles hungered for weight and strain,
Strength the jewel their labors gained.

Present
Now fat cells race, while strength declines,
Muscles starve for effort,
Art lost in modern times.

Past
Joints whispered softly, move, don’t stay,
Tendons sang tension, guiding the way.

Present
Engines roar—drive, don’t walk,
Tendons cry, joints unstocked.