it’s nearing the end of October
and skies have been very
grey
wet, dreary
cool and windy days
have kept me
indoors
but today the sun shines
bright
a lovely surprise arrives
from a friend
and my wings begin
to flutter …
a walk to the library
in glorious fresh
air
has me shining
effervescence
I pass an angry looking woman
dressed all in black
and I try to give her my smile
though I’m not sure
she keeps it
undeterred, I have a spare
I breathe in
and look up at the blueness
of the sky
watch a stream of white
sailing over
a small explosion
at the tire place
startles me into paying attention
to the traffic
and as I cross the street
I realize that I am gripping the bag
on my shoulder
rather tightly
and my right hand is also
quite tense
this is me in the world
outside of my
garden
smiling and joyous
in the beauty of
a fall day
yet still
slightly fearful
of possible social
interaction
a lady on a bike
pedals past me at the lights
and I smile because
she looks like someone
I know
but have not seen for some time
someone lovely whose name
is Sue
at the library
I relax and breathe in
wonder and
words
I am quickly among friends
and I gather a few
on my way out
I stop at the art gallery
to read the biographies of some
local veterans
and to look upon the pictures of
their young faces
bright and proud
barely teenagers
possibly fearful
but oh so
brave
some came home
and some
did
not
I read their names
and commit them to my heart
from the corner of my eye
I see someone approaching
my space
then look to realize
it is my friend
we met
both of us proud Mothers
of four
returning to school after many years
it’s lovely to see her again
and I think I should hug her
but I don’t
both of us slightly awkward
with small talk
we exchange talk of kids
and say our goodbyes
I gather up my books
and head out
back to the
sunshine
and as I walk along
gazing at the blue sky
once again
I think to myself
I wish I were brave
one should never pass up
the moment you have
to
hug
someone ♥
a walk among leaves…
