The Pretender

My left arm

isn't stupid, inept, or helpless

as it has been pretending to be all these years.

It can vacuum an entire house (except two sets of stairs),
dust, mop, wash a sliding door window.

It seems capable of doing all menial tasks.

While my right arm hangs primarily

limp at my side.

Healing an injured shoulder.

I get in the pool with Ed

but I don’t swim. I kick with a float and fins.

I look forward to getting in the pool more now.

I guess I’m getting lazy.

And a bit proud of my left arm

for rising to the challenge.