It’s on no whim
I check the pulse-rate
flashing on my wrist
as I swim.

There are motives
for counting BPM:

Hubris:

Damn man!

You’re pushing

70

and your heart’s beating JUST

100

as you free-style your hour
in the pool!
Do it, viejo!
You are so cool!
I feel your power!

Caution:

Easy, ol’timer.
Don’t tempt fate.

138

is a little to close
to your

150

maximum-heart-rate.

Realism:

Accept it,

Hero.

There will come a time
when your monitor blinks

“0”.

And no matter
what WAS your pace,
one second before,
you’ve come to the end
of your human race.

There’s more involved
than rhythm and beats
and whether I should
just crawl slower.

It’s learning to accept
that one day –

my swim will be over.