Gravity

Some days, I feel the weight of gravity pulling me down.

Where I am reminded that:
 trying to beat my combat boots into the asphalt on repeated long runs
 or searching for the ground by leaping out of flying planes
  are not conducive to long term joint health.

Where hip pain and dark thoughts try to pull my soul into the ground.

On such days:
 I take the stairs rather than the elevator.
 I deliberately go places and park on the far side of the parking lot
 and stride through stores like a pilgrim on a quest for light—

Because:
 On such days,
  I refuse to let gravity win.