A thought
awaken you from velleity
a summon to bear fruit
you lace your shoes
you start walking, an ancient habit
fresh persuasion of open air,
feelings of space and seeing
the outdoors, vast and hospitable,
slopping hills
you bravely ascend steps,
carefully accelerate descent
blistered heels and suffering knees,
and muscle burns
temporary distractions,
hesitation gradually fades
one step at a time, the trodden way
strength prospers and optimism lifts
exhilaration and healthy elements
you huddle a new circle, your kindred:
sway of stride, unhurried banter,
their voices twinkle in greetings
you don’t have to
but you keep a journal
the notches, tiny achievements
nourishing pastoral scenes,
joy of jotting experiences
the long walks
you observe the olympians,
their constancy
you wonder how they do it
the focus, the intensity
the magnitude of sacrifices
you weigh yours in gratitude
you try to understand,
is there time to exult or console
you are in your eighties
you dare to disturb life expectancy
in full measure.
edgarone2
simpleimages2 