Not Everything Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

I am on the treadmill at Bandra
It is set to incline of 6.0, and
Speed of 6.0 km per hour, and going.

In front is the TV screen with Kareena
And Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan, wet
And gyrating to one more Hindi film song.

I suddenly become aware of pain
On my shoulders above the heart above
Chest-bones where forearms meet body.

In 2004 the same pain used to occur in Delhi
While walking in Lodhi Garden near home
My daily round of six fast kilometres.

Then the pain increased till I could
Walk no more after ten minutes:
Had to rest, recoup, and then resume.

In September that led to angioplasty
And so I go about with medicated stent
Inside, but outside no sign visible.

Just like my diabetes and high blood pressure,
The inevitable accompaniments of many
Who occupy jobs where demands are many.

Should I also add where the persons learn
Too late how to meet the contingencies of life
By awareness, and slowing down day by day.

To be relaxed, unambitious, to delegate, be
Careful about diet and exercise regular:
A person could have tried his best.

If I were to tell my wife that I felt pain
Today, it will put her off, and clouds
Will form in her face and mind,

Leading to exchange of words,
While fixing up plan of action
With the doctors and their stress tests.

I ask, “Is it necessary to share everything? ”
I seem to be developing the bad habit
Of looking to her as the sounding board,

Tuning fork, to be there just to receive vibrations,
Strums and plucks from me, not realizing
She is now grown into a full person with her

Own ideas, making judgements on everything
Including her husband and his health, and
Having her way, and a say in everything.