Not the same as in the snazzy swim spa
with Terri, the iPad set up to watch
Coach Stacy put us through our
water aerobics paces,

but I am grateful to those two women
for teaching this old lifeguard/
swim coach/instructor some new
tricks for my solo workout—

not least with water barbells
that offer are-you-kidding-me
underwater resistance, which
is not only arm strengthening

but soul strengthening,
much needed as the aging body
tries to stay in the game,
using it, not losing it,

in the name of fortitude,
for all that is coming at us
so much faster than we
ever imagined.

•••

(for Terri Wolf, my water aerobics workout buddy,
who inspired me to pick up the floaty barbells!)