I revised GOING ON A GOOD WALK for February 29 2024 Jill

[jill stockinger]

Please use THIS ONE for Thursday, February 29 2024.

Thank you VERY much to Liz and Marian for their help.  

I don't remember if I shared this before, but it is something I did that I don't think is obvious.

My stanzas go 6 lines, 7 lines, 8 lines, 9 lines--a mimicking of time passing, of getting older.  Jill

Going on a Good Walk      by Jill Stockinger

 

With a knowing smile, you ask, “Are you ready?”

In my usual small flurry, I check for hearing aids,

glasses, grab my red backpack and throw in

mask, hat, water, credit card, identification, 

medical card in case of accident, tissues,

money, phone, charger–and I answer, “Yes.”

 

Moving into the grace of uncertainties,      

letting go of hard-angled fears,           

viewing the doubts that pummeled me       

as cartoon hammers filled with air,             

aging has some benefits,   

a feeling of freshness as I start                   

walking into autumn.                                   

 

The laughter of the children                           

of my children rings like bells in my ears.

You're my ballast, your warmth                   

and large hands always there.

I see mountains of snow ahead to climb

though the path is not well-defined

and feel content in this small part

I have been given, that my life is well-spent.

 

You're still waiting so patiently. "Is it cold out?"                                   

I inquire. “Not very,” you reply. I throw on

my lined green jacket with a hood.

“Let’s go!” I say, impatient to be going.

Outside, I feel the sun. I can carry my jacket

if I get too warm. “No need to run,” you declare.

As you lock the door and pocket the keys,

your blue eyes calmly appraise the world

above a crinkled smile.