Gait

 

It was imperceptible

At first

 

The long stride

That covered ground

With an athleticism

That belied his age

Was inching ever

Shorter

 

Imperceptible

At first

 

Then noticeable

Only to him

A hint of the

Diminished stride

Of advanced years

 

He saw it in himself

And he began to see it

In his friends

 

From that moment

Of awareness

He focused on

Strength and stride

 

Vowed to

Pay closer

Attention

 

And not let

The old man in.