A Morning's Walk

My wife and I walk, every morning,a mile or so--
it's good for us old to walk in the cold,
or in the misty rain, it makes less the pain
that old age is wont to bring to bodies
which once burned bright with youth...
though now I wear braces on ankles,
braces on knees, and I walk slowly
with two canes, like an old skier,
sans snow, sans mountain.

We passed a tree whose leaves had
left behind summer's green and now
fall slowly, carefully one by one
in their autumnal splendor.

My wife stopped me--listen, she said--
but I heard nothing--shhh,
stand still she said, 
and I tried hard to
hear the mystery....

Finally I asked her, knowing my hearing
less than hers (too many rock concerts
in my heedless youth), what we listen for?

She looked up at my old head, and smiled--
only she could hear the sound each leaf made
as it rippled the air in falling to the ground.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 7/21/2024 6:42:00 PM
Dear L. J., my poet friend, your potent and poignant poem (with a dash of wit) touches me deeply as your imagery brings me into the center of the scene with you and you wife. I especially adored your last two lines for a lovely and fabulous finale. Congratulations for your poem’s success in Ink’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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L. J. Carber
Date: 7/23/2024 8:12:00 AM
Thank you Susan--great hearing from you!!!
Date: 7/12/2024 4:16:00 AM
The contest i just sponsored was an na contest, and i see this poem has already been placed in previous contests. Hmm. However now i will find it hard to disqualify so lets just say, I enjoyed reading this poem, well woven and delivered, can see why this got the recognition before too,
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L. J. Carber
Date: 7/12/2024 10:46:00 AM
Well, thank you, I did not submit it on purpose against the rules but I miss things from time to time--the important thing is that it seemed to resonate with you--and after all, isn't that why we poor poets write?
Date: 3/2/2022 3:26:00 PM
Congratulations on your winning entry in our contest, and thank you for being a part of it! I hope you are having a blessed and lovely day <3
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L. J. Carber
Date: 3/5/2022 12:18:00 PM
Thanks, BJ, and go with God...
Date: 2/2/2022 4:54:00 AM
Wow! Congrats again. God bless you...
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L. J. Carber
Date: 2/2/2022 8:23:00 AM
Thanks Beata, and may God keep you and yours always
Date: 2/1/2022 1:38:00 PM
I like this, congratulations well deserved high marks.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 2/2/2022 8:22:00 AM
Thank you!
Date: 2/1/2022 10:14:00 AM
LJ, congratulations on your trophy win! This is an elegant slice of life blended into a lovely metaphor with vivid images. There is a serenity that weaves through this story and the picture you have created. Very lovely! Sending you blessings of joy and good health. I understand about the "rock concerts!"
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L. J. Carber
Date: 2/1/2022 10:22:00 AM
As a musician yourself, I imagine you do--I'm very glad you like it!
Date: 2/1/2022 9:18:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a lovely story/write. Yes, listen and one can hear each leaf as it falls to the ground. Have a blessed day.................
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L. J. Carber
Date: 2/1/2022 10:17:00 AM
Thanks Paula, and go with God forever!
Date: 2/1/2022 3:58:00 AM
Beautiful! Congrats and God bless you. Love this. Love, Gina
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L. J. Carber
Date: 2/1/2022 10:17:00 AM
Thanks Gina, and go with God always!
Date: 1/11/2022 11:17:00 PM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this.... exposing the loving partnership you and your wife enjoy. God bless you.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 1/12/2022 11:27:00 AM
Thanks Beata!
Date: 1/11/2022 8:29:00 PM
Beautiful writing .Congratulations!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 1/12/2022 11:27:00 AM
Thank you!!!
Date: 12/22/2021 6:02:00 PM
A moving poem, indeed, L.J. Your final stanza catches the essence of acute sensitivity, something like a small gift in the gathering days of age. Best wishes + congratulations on a fine write. Brian
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L. J. Carber
Date: 12/23/2021 7:34:00 AM
thanks Brian--I expect one has to put on a few years to relate to this poem.....
Date: 11/29/2021 1:13:00 PM
Poignant moments caught in time by words. Intimate thoughts of caring between long married lovers. Such a pleasant poetry.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 11/29/2021 3:53:00 PM
Thanks Greg--glad you liked it
Date: 9/29/2021 10:08:00 AM
This is a lovely moment LJ - a true appreciation of marriage and the ways each spouse has a part to play in showing the other the wonder of the world! Congratulations for your win. Blessings for you!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 9/30/2021 9:21:00 AM
Ah yes, Sam-- a long marriage is a classroom that never lets out-- or so you hope...
Date: 9/26/2021 9:57:00 PM
Great narration and interesting writing. Congratulations!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 9/28/2021 10:49:00 AM
Thank you, my friend!
Date: 9/26/2021 12:19:00 PM
wonderful imagery from start to finish and i love the fact you stop to listen to something as simple as a leaf falling.. something others would hardly give a thought to. many congrats on your win L J :-) hugs Jan xx
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L. J. Carber
Date: 9/28/2021 10:49:00 AM
Ah, yes Jan, I've come to realize most of us most of the time miss the real Reality permeating the universe...thank you for seeing that!
Date: 9/26/2021 7:36:00 AM
Love this. Congrats on the win and thank you for entering. God bless you always, Love, Gina
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L. J. Carber
Date: 9/28/2021 10:47:00 AM
Thank you for the honor!
Date: 9/2/2021 3:05:00 PM
LJ, wonderful and congratulations on your win in my contest ~ peace and tranquility _ Constance
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L. J. Carber
Date: 9/7/2021 6:46:00 PM
A belated thank you [we were dealing with tornadoes, etc.!]
Date: 8/15/2021 5:59:00 PM
Your descriptive writing on life experiences are utterly convincing and often convey the familiar (to an old codger). Thanks for the pleasure it gives, Len
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L. J. Carber
Date: 8/16/2021 11:51:00 AM
From one old codger to another, much appreciated! [getting old is rather strange, isn't it Geoff?]
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