Ouch! Poem by B. V. Dahlen

When I arise
with creaking joints
to drag these limbs
from cozy bed.
I stretch to feel
resistance there.
When I attempt
to make my head
turn further on
this rigid neck,
and try to bend
this stubborn form
I falter and the
pain begins,
reminding me
of every year
this body has
acquitted me.
These stiff unyielding
muscles cry
for aid and
moderation but
persisting I endure
and touch
those distant toes
with grunted glee.