Slowly
By
John I. Blair
At my uncertain age
I’ll learn to concentrate
On things I still can do
And do them carefully and slowly.
I will no longer dream
Of vivace or allegro pizzicato;
In my piano books I’ll shine
At largo and andante sostenuto.
Tennis is right out
(I never run or jump or hurtle);
But legato biking looks just fine,
And swimming’s all the rage.
I won’t dash off notes;
If I want you to read my marks,
Painstaking, calm calligraphy’s
The only way that works.
Small wonder, then, appreciating
Slow and steady styles,
I plan to learn tai chi and cheer
For Aesop’s plodding turtle.
©2004 John I. Blair
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