in the pickleball parking lot
seething in my car
poor shot selection
terrible execution
stupidly easy misses
I look up and watch
an old lady push her walker
then drag the trailing leg
forward to greet the other one
led by two small dogs
that match her speed
when she pauses and smiles
my self-loathing stops
and wonders aloud
Who is happier in the park
on this beautiful morning
with her companions
doesn’t keep score
curse or throw paddles
yet still winks at those that do?