the examination

you have to keep moving,
keep those old bones going,
the blood flowing, the joints
loose and warm. don't let
the body get tight. that's what
the doctor says as he takes
your pulse, your heartbeat,
your blood pressure and a vial
of blood. ride your bike, he
says, take a walk, put some
fun in your life. he gives
me a wink at this point,
and tells me to get dressed.
you're in great shape for
a man your age, he says and
pats me on the shoulder gently
as if i was ninety. he's a
good doctor though, not much
on the beside manner and he
can't stay in the room for more
than five minutes, but he seems
like a reasonable fellow,
maybe even truthful. i think
he'd tell me if i was on my
last leg as they say.