It’s difficult
to calculate growth
when growth
tends to show itself
as circles
swirls
scratches
smears
scars
or
wrinkles.
Of course there are many exceptions,
but (I think)
sometimes falling
slipping
skidding
backward
is growth
because at least you are moving
somewhere
rather than just remaining
where you were.
Sometimes
even backward movement
propels you around again
toward something –
something bigger
something better
something greater than yourself
something worth living for.