to be truly away? How
are those steps measured?
Even if my feet weren't small
it is going to be a long walk for me.
You gave me a head start,
with your rightward shuffle
I was supposed to be
polite enough to ignore.
You gave me a head start,
with your rightward shuffle
I was supposed to be
polite enough to ignore.
And though I've paused
at this milestone moment,
I am too tired
not to keep walking
and wondering
how many steps
until I’m really away
not to keep walking
and wondering
how many steps
until I’m really away
and no longer expecting
to hear steps besides my own.
to hear steps besides my own.
Song Choice: Not Ready to Make Nice by The Chicks
This poem was created for Poets and Storytellers United's Weekly Scribblings prompt. I went with Walking Away.
This poem was created for Poets and Storytellers United's Weekly Scribblings prompt. I went with Walking Away.
Do we ever truly leave the past behind?
ReplyDeleteI think there's always some of it left in the linty corners of our pockets.
DeleteRecently experienced an old friend doing a 'rightward shuffle'(great phrase!) and am now, with very mixed feelings, contemplating that long walk. You've said it well.
ReplyDeleteI knew I wasn't the only one contemplating a similar walk.
DeleteOh it's all good, but that closing couplet...Muy Bueno!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ron
DeleteToo tired not to keep walking? Oh, yes! Been there, done that. Still doing it, as a matter of fact. It's a strange and terrible way...
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I'm still surprised I'm still walking, but it would be lovely not to have to.
DeleteOur expectations keep us listening for those steps beside us. Will 2020 ever leave us???
ReplyDeleteHappy 2021
Much✨love
There's a lot of ripples left to come from that particular stone.
DeleteI had to read what you wrote a couple of times. You always get me thinking Rommy! We have to keep walking! We are not our past! We are this moment and we can do so much! Big Hugs! Happy 2021!
ReplyDeleteAnd small moments strung together can make for powerful changes.
DeleteI feel there are always footsteps alongside our own, unseen, unheard, but always there. It's a comfort.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for comfort whenever it can be found
DeleteSome footsteps offer great comfort, like cadences while running, they keep us motivated and on step. But there others that tend to steal our balance, to drown the song of our moves... Those are certainly best left behind.
ReplyDeleteGood company definitely makes some movement more bearable
DeletePoetry most certainly food for thought. It somehow seems a bit sad. Perhaps its just my mood today.
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a bit of sadness even with the resolve.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA lot of steps when you're walking away. But running away is a different affair, you can even use a vehicle for transport. Mrs. Jim says that since this pandemic we are joined at the hip. She did go by herself last week looking for after Christmas bargain priced Christmas decorations. She found none but did lose her billfold. ;)
ReplyDeleteToday we both went for our bone density scan appointments and hers for a mammogram. Then we stopped out of our way at the hardware store for my 2021 Classic Car Calendar.
Google changed my spelling on the first, sorry.
..
I hope you both get clean bills of health from both of your checkups. And that the calendar adds a bit of brightness to your month.
DeleteExcellent questions, Rommy, and if only we knew the answers. Such a poignant ending. I agree with Bev, that there are always footsteps alongside our own, unseen.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of footsteps each on a quest to find the answers
DeleteLovely poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWonderful ending on this, Rommy. I think a little piece of the past is always with us, even if we are not conscious of it.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed
Deletelovely poem.
ReplyDeletewell, sometimes we have to let go some of the baggage of the past.
It's helpful to travel light in some cases
DeleteOften we need our memories to recall different things but in relationships even those long gone often have a lasting effect where the hurt lingers on. A person unaffected by the loss and hurt of someone once loved is rare indeed. We need that in order not to make the same mistake twice. But who hasn't been hurt by love?
ReplyDeleteIt's a very rare soul who hasn't felt some measure of hurt
Deleteoh how many steps A good questions You don't know till you find out and toke the courage to walk. Love the last stanza
ReplyDeleteThank you Marja
DeleteHappy Sunday
ReplyDeleteMuch🌻love
Hope your Sunday was good
DeleteI keep feeling her stop, turn and face, but not walk back.
ReplyDeleteI think I could see that too
DeleteThe first time through, I thought: "this could apply to x." The second time, "this could apply to y." The thought of listening to only one's own steps if only in the mind, may it bring peace.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted there are multiple ways to read it :)
DeleteThis feels like a benediction--a blessing on the walk and the memories.
ReplyDeleteI really like this interpretation.
DeleteEach footstep is important--you'll know when it is far enough
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent point. All those steps build on each other.
DeleteIt's so easy to step back into the past, some days way too easy. Love that you continue to walk .... and love The Chicks.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to dig out some of my old Chicks CDs (LOL, yes I still own such ancient artifacts) and listen to them.
DeleteYour questions in the first stanza are relatable and interesting. Yes, it can be a long, long walk...
ReplyDeleteLong, but necessary
Delete