In 2020, while recovering from chemotherapy, I had some time on my hands and came across a reverse poem. I’d never written a poem before, but I was inspired to try writing one about something I’d heard many times as a yoga teacher: “I can’t do yoga!”
Here’s what I came up with.
I can’t do yoga So don’t try to tell me that This body can become stronger, more flexible This mind can become calmer, more focused It is evident that I’m too old, too inflexible, too fat Don’t try to convince me People who do yoga are young, bendy, skinny Don’t try to persuade me that Yoga can help me I can’t balance, I can’t cross my legs I don’t look like the photos on Instagram It’s true! Experts say if it’s too fast or difficult, yoga can be customised And I could move better Breathe better I could feel better I tell you this I’m too stressed I don’t have enough time So don’t try to tell me that I can do yoga
Now read from bottom to top.