In a Heartbeat...

Ba bump ba bump ba bump ba bump…

my heart races at eighty-five beats per minute;

faster as I push myself to finish what I’m doing

so I can move on to something else.

I set the bar high, my own expectations higher—

the fear of restructure, replacement remains

a ghostly shadow hiding in a corner of my mind;

for I know all too well that I am dispensable,

that it’s never about the work, but the bottom line.

I‘ve wondered, how does one pace oneself?

Is there even such a thing?

Acutely aware that at this age, this stage

life should be about slowing down,

enjoying each moment…

unsure if this is wearing me down

or keeping my mind alert; keeping me young.

I am reminded on a daily basis

of how life can change in a heartbeat;.

So, like the ‘Little Engine That Could’

  I keep chugging away while I still can

...ba bump ba bump ba bump ba bump ba bump.

© Ginny Brannan 2017