
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
Hi Jenny , I love your poem, thank you so much for sharing it. I love you my friend. Take care . Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for reading my thoughts. 😊 Giving you a warm hug and wishes for a happy weekend. 💗
Beautiful! Thank you, Jenny❤️
Thank you. 😊 I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Wow, Jenny. 💙 Your words really captured it all. What tragedy life sometimes is, but it’s also beautiful. Tragically beautiful. 😔
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.
What a beautiful, sensuous poem! I loved it and I love and pray for you!
Thanks for reading it, Lana. 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it. 💗 Thank you for your friendship and prayers.
Jenny, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks so much for reading my thoughts, Evelyn. 💗 You are an encouragement to me.
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.
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.
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 🙏
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.
Thank you . If you don’t mind send it to my email.
Those words capture what my daydreams are like while I’m resting in bed each day. The mind still travels…
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.
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!
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!❤️