Forced to take a step back,
to slow down, slow way down.

My body has made it clear
she cannot keep up any longer.

I remember a time where I could do all this and more
but times have changed.
My body has changed. I have changed.

Tending to her injuries,
reinforcing the structural integrity,
I whisper apologies
and promises to do better, to be better.

Change has forced itself upon me
and I must accept it.