Jenny Knipfer–Author

Writing to inspire, encourage, and enjoy

Autumn approaches and with it my favorite time of year. I loved going for a walk this time of year and looking at all the changing things along the path: the green ivy that had turned red, the fuzzy heads of milkweed, the distant hills dotted with color. The simple movement and motion of my legs and arms, along with my lungs working with them to propel me forward relaxed me. I also enjoyed the companionable presence of my dog at my side. I often prayed as I walked. This was a natural pairing of two things I took joy in and that brought me life.

Now, with my MS I can no longer go for a walk and enjoy the things I once did. My longing to do so is deepest at this time of year, and I am unashamed to say that I grieve a little and that’s OK. But instead of wallowing in sadness I decided to write a poem about it. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into how I remember see myself going for a walk.

There She Goes

See her

She was you, once, walking

Into an open day, with open hands

Feet and legs, taking her anywhere she wants to

Glorying in simple motion, her dog at her side

There she goes…

***

Watch her move

Fluid, rhythmic, propelling

Along a path ahead, and with it freedom 

Stepping forward, limbs doing, not thinking

Simply present in the moment

There she goes…

***

Breathe with her

In and out, drinking 

Fresh country air, no filter needed

Lungs expanding and contracting, effortless, 

Life-giving functionality 

There she goes…

***

Look through her eyes

A world, living

Gem green grass, colorful trees, robin’s egg-blue sky

All slowly changing, growing, with her in its midst

Feeling small but yet a part of it all

There she goes…

***

Listen with her ears

Sounds humming, ringing

Both loud, then soft

Dragonfly’s wings fluttering, leaves rustling in the breeze, a hawk screeching

A symphony all its own

There she goes…

***

Hear her whispered words

Praise, thanks, supplication

Blending together, sending

Her thoughts toward God

With each step her heart emptier but also fuller

There she goes…

***

Sniff deeply with her

A warm subtle sweetness, nostrils flaring

Wildflowers on the hill, blooming 

Bright zinnias, blue cornflowers, fuzzy-stemmed black-eyed Susan’s 

Nature’s beautiful bits of joy

There she goes…

***

Touch what she does

Her hand out, palm down, grazing 

The tip of her dog’s tail, tickling her

Then fingertips extended,

brushing by blades of grass—razor sharp, thick veined, smooth oak leaves, downy milkweed

All a veritable trove of textures

There she goes…

***

Feel the sun on her face

Its bright rays, stretching 

across skin and shadow

Bringing warmth and happiness 

Filling her with renewed energy and the sense of a heavenly kiss 

There she goes…

***

Walk with her

Remember 

Glory in movement once again

Be immersed in God’s creation, letting it bring you…

Peace

There she goes…

(C) Jenny Knipfer 2022

Thanks for reading! J

19 thoughts on “There She Goes: a poem of remembering walking in early autumn

  1. Alicia Haney says:

    Hi Jenny , I love your poem, thank you so much for sharing it. I love you my friend. Take care . Have a wonderful weekend.

    1. Thanks for reading my thoughts. 😊 Giving you a warm hug and wishes for a happy weekend. 💗

  2. Amy says:

    Beautiful! Thank you, Jenny❤️

    1. Thank you. 😊 I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

  3. Wow, Jenny. 💙 Your words really captured it all. What tragedy life sometimes is, but it’s also beautiful. Tragically beautiful. 😔

    1. I’m glad my thoughts were tangible. 😊 Thanks for reading. It sure is. I’ve used that beautiful tragedy to fuel most of my books.

  4. lanajburton says:

    What a beautiful, sensuous poem! I loved it and I love and pray for you!

    1. Thanks for reading it, Lana. 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it. 💗 Thank you for your friendship and prayers.

  5. Evelyn Foreman says:

    Jenny, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this!

    1. Thanks so much for reading my thoughts, Evelyn. 💗 You are an encouragement to me.

  6. Beautiful poem. Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am even if I am having a rough pain day. And it’s nice to take walks through our memories but it isn’t quite the same is it? Praying for you.

    1. Hi Lisa. 😊 Thanks for reading. There’s so much to be grateful for, no matter our circumstances.
      No, it certainly is a poor stand-in.

  7. DeAnna J Dawson says:

    Love the poem! It helps me to remember. Anyway to print it out? I can’t go for walks either this time of year is hard, fall is my favorite season. My reason isn’t like your through mine is because of a stroke last year. Praying for you 🙏

    1. Hi DeAnna, thanks so much for reading my thoughts! You can copy and paste it into word, or I can and send it to you, if you give me your email. 😊 I’m sorry you experienced a stroke and that it left you with some changes. Thank goodness we have memories of more carefree times to draw upon. Thank you for your prayers. Blessings to you as well.

      1. DeAnna J Dawson says:

        Thank you . If you don’t mind send it to my email.

  8. Maria says:

    Those words capture what my daydreams are like while I’m resting in bed each day. The mind still travels…

    1. Hi Maria, thanks for reading my thoughts. I’m glad to hear that they embodied your daydreams. I hope you still have many joys you can yet experience while being in bed, but how wonderful it is to have memories of what we could once do.

  9. Karis Jentink says:

    Aunt Jenny, I love how you use your emotions and experiences and channel them into beautiful strings of words that help another see the heart of the author. I am reminded again and again by you how to enjoy the simple things of life that are blessings from God that we so often take for granted❤️ Love you honey bunches of oats!

    1. Thanks for reading my thoughts, Karis. 😊I’m glad I can relay that sort of imagery.
      I’m glad. Simple pleasures are the best. Love you lots back!❤️

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