Being single means never having to say you're flabby...

Well, maybe that's an exaggeration.

But today began with a (fortunately scheduled) visit from my plumber. Of course, this put a crimp in my whole day, as everything was pushed 2 hours ahead. Although I work as an editor from my home office, by and large, I still have deadlines to meet--yet I was also able to steal away for a quick ride on my bike--in addition to working out, I always make sure to take time for activity breaks, just so my back doesn't seize up.

I was a fat, inactive kid, and it's amazing how much I look forward to exercise, or simply joyous movement, like riding a bike through the melting paths of snow on a February afternoon.

Not having the obligations of other people's schedules, like a spouse or children, can be wondrous, or having someone who would rather be watching TV as recreation than moving about in the world.

I really admire mothers who are fit--it doesn't matter if they are thin, but fit, and don't feel guilty about the time they take for themselves running or in the gym.

The plumber was cute and told me some funny stories, while snaking my kitchen drains and probably costing me a fortune (I haven't got the bill yet). He told me of having to extract roses from the garbage disposal of a couple in Rumson. Now there is a story, or a 'found' poem--if only I was a student of creative writing again, and only had the responsibility of writing poems and stories!

This Is Just To Say

I have called
the plumber
for your roses
you gave me

and which
I put down
the garbage disposal
PS It didn't work as well
As you said it would.

This Is Just To Say
by William Carlos Williams

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold