Soshite (Complete)

I am writing because the blog lost the last five stanzas--sorry...

Soshite
Cold outside
fingers cramp and freeze
my age
is showing 
like a fallen slip

so...
slap on the blush
gloss the lips
piggy bank more time
I'm not ready for elderhood

my heart 
is still a child
my body
is merely
disobedient

so...
I will wear a hoodie of youth
keep 
red riding hood
Riding

insecurities
keep me young
my mind
is always changing
indecision keeps 
me growing

I like it that way
which way do I turn
Right
Left
I'm not sure

So...
let's keep going 
straight ahead
follow the coyotes walking 
in the middle of our streets

now we've banked time
yellow lights turn to green
uncross your fingers
uncross your legs
the clock is ticking to our pulse

breathe
inhale-exhale
squeeze
the stale air out
backbend and open your heart

So...
forward bend
balance
go out of your head
savasana

on your feet
open the window shades
look   see   listen
next moment
tell me more
12/19/19
Photo: Genie Nakano
a Mural in El Segundo, artist ?