Wisely and Slow

Wisely and Slow

Even at eighty some days follow

a routine. What was once a rut, a grind,

provides opportunity to reminisce

when it was easy to sit down or get up

without weighing in each alternative.

What once I decided by whim gets

thorough rumination.  I weigh

the benefits, calculate the costs,

consider urgencies, try to side-step

all emergencies.  “Wisely and slow,”

Friar Lawrence cautions his young friend,

“They stumble who run fast.” 

At eighty-one, if not wiser, but

for sure much slower, running is never

urgent when it take ten minutes first

to decide whether to sit or stand.

                              —Donnell Hunter

                                        16 April 2012