A Different Species

my Tai Chi Chih class is followed
by something called cardio-pump
or is it body combat?

body pumpers glare through
the glass in our door
eager to begin punching
they murmur about this Tai Chi

our class is quiet precise
slow-moving peaceful
we lift one heel one wrist
to soft music under dim lights
following the Tai Chi Chih master

we step slowly wave arms
breathe deeply at the end of class
hiss forcefully as we exhale
bring hands together and bow

the clock on the wall
allows the combatants to enter
slap bang clatter chatter
my Tai Chi Chih class bows to this
different species

we disappear