The Weight Room

I eyed the weights
Pimples, not biceps, my body had,
Bulging belly to be worked off.
Got off the training bike,
Tackle the barbells first
Regarded the impassive mirror
Loath to start the brutal punishment.

There was a young man in the gym
Lifting weights so grandiose
I hoped he'd put them away himself - I couldn't.
He noticed me and smiled
I smiled back and hoped he wasn't - you know
I wasn't - well, was I?
Sweat glistened on his forehead, biceps bulged
The mirror smiled upon his efforts.
My weedy body disgusted me
And I longed to go home and smoke.

-- Geoff Jackson