My Black Belt Odyssey

Four long years ago,

Standing in Taekwondo class,

Bowing, bowing, bowing,

Uncomfortable in floppy do-bok,

White belt

Finally knotted correctly,

(Harder than neckties)

A room full of youthful warriors,

Eagerly punching, kicking the air,

Front kick, side kick,

Round kick, hook kick,

Inner/outer forearm block,

Ki-hap, Ki-hap, Ki-hap,

Head and body spin,

Ego sags,

Head comments,

“You’re too old for this,”

Body agrees,

“We’re much too un-coordinated,”

How to tactfully bow out?

My physiotherapist,

Will certainly concur,

Too strenuous, too tiring,

Too complicated,

Much too dangerous,

Oh No!

Taekwondo is her prescription,

For this aging torso,

With reluctant determination,

Bruised shins and ego,

Kicks and blocks,

Begin hitting targets,

First goal - survival,

Second - next belt,

Third - elusive Black Belt,

Much to learn,

Much to do,

Forms, weapons,

Self defense, sparring,

Board breaking,

Ah, Board breaking -

My nemesis,

Two testings,

Frustration,

One board refused to

Break

Third testing,

Third attempt,

Hard kick,

It broke!

Cheers, tears,

That lovely Black Belt

Is mine!