The Decline Poem by Andy Barrette

I think I have to redefine the state of my well-being
for it seems that very slow decay is what I have been seeing.
Now I have to second guess my habits and direction
and change the path that I've been on for my own protection
Perhaps extreme activities take something out of me
or my deep love of music stifles my creativity.
Although writing poetry is a therapy of sorts
whose to say that it won't, in the long run, cut me short?

Am I dying? Am I sick? or am I merely stressed
about my aging double quick despite my giving life my best?
Maybe that's the pending curse I've brought upon myself
and my living life in overdrive is chipping at my health.
If that's the case then, in the end, I guess I can't complain
for I'd rather go by avalanche than erode grain by grain.

(07/22/09)