Gym Membership

I first saw Cleave Poetry on Ben Alexander’s wonderful blog, so I did a little research. This style of poetry, created by Dr. Phvoc-Tan Diep, is three poems combined into one with two contrasting views. The reader must read the right side of the poem. Then the left side of the poem. Finally, they must read all the lines to catch the entire meaning. I decided to Cleave poetry in December. I think it might prove to be my biggest challenge—the next poem of the month I titled Gym Membership.

Gym Membership

I used to walk five miles a day/COVID-19 got in my way

I need to start doing it again/the weight battle I can’t win

They say I need a gym membership/because I like my cookie and chip

So, I took myself over to the Y/ I should give exercise a try

All the equipment made me sigh/ when I sweat, I start to cry

I want to try a metal machine/ I’d forbid this torture if I was a queen

I walk the track 20 times instead/ if I stay much longer, I’ll end up dead

I ride a bike and get nowhere/ I’m starting not to really care

I think I might leave here soon/ even if I bloat up like a balloon

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

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