routine this is not
it’s an exercise
binding bone and ripping muscle
going beyond training
this is conditioning
mind to stop feeling
legs and arms to stop thinking
heart to breath
lungs beaten to submission
no routine knows this trial
this is exercising demons
confusing flesh to know pain as perseverance
an exhibition
of tears and sweat
given as sacrifice
to the gods
promising wellness
a few more good years
a body pretending not to be broken.
By the time I had finished reading this, my baby hair filled out, my waist got thinner, my rent got paid, my skin got clearer, I passed my finals, I got cast in Hamilton, like I don’t even know.
See. Results! Lol