A year into my doctorate
And so much has already not worked
My knee gave me trouble
Last July
Went to PT
Then tiredness seeped in

Hashimoto's woke up
Trying out different combinations
Of supplements
Trying to keep within self
Hard classes

One health setback
Then realization that
Was way too overwhelmed
Stepped back

Gazed around
Started to put goals together
On Friday I returned to the pool
After a 7 months break
Why?
Because my iron will
Takes a licking
And keeps on ticking

Swam 7 laps as a beginning start
My last optimal was 30 laps
I'll get there
Then I will return to the gym

Whether I continue to keep my 4.0
Or go lower
I'll still work my hardest
Brain fog is a constant
Concentration is hard to maintain

A nitpicky professor
Knocks down every small thing
I won't give up

Tomorrow I see my naturopath
I want to switch out from Synthroid
To the more natural armor
Need to ask for a full blood panel
It's been 6 months

Also acupuncture to be able to brave
The bipolar barometer
I'm finishing up group too
The thyroid knocked other things
Out of wack

But my body
Though tired and ready for a break
Vacation right after this class
Just keep on plugging away

Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock

I know I can