as Walt Whitman

If you don’t take your time,
If you never slow down the step by walking,
You’ll never see the sun
Lay his gold leaves on the tops of trees,
You won’t pay attention to the fox
Conversing with two horses in a field,

If you never slow down,
You’ll never know if a girl thinks of you,
You will never feel the dew
which inclines the daffodils and harmonious petals
you will crush the innocent snail on the purple road,

If you don’t take your time,
If you never slow down the step, while walking,
You will never see the fishing sloop working at sea
You will not hear the merle in the fig tree
Sketch twelve notes of a baroque cantata,

and worst of all, if you don’t slow down the pace,
You will never write poetry,
You will never fall in love with the countryside,
With the sea or pretty girls with breasts of pottery,
You will never become as smart as Walt Whitman.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Singh Avatar
April 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
It is true and very nicely penned Like the poem.
Rolland Avatar
April 28, 2025 at 5:15 AM
thank you so much akham
Buehler Avatar
April 25, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Your poem has marvelous appeal and fine imagery, Yann. If one doesn't slow down, how can they stop to smell the roses? Love this!
Rolland Avatar
April 26, 2025 at 7:49 PM
thank you so much evelyn, for making me smell roses, i didn't think about have a nice sunday
Hind Avatar
April 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Interesting, so many wise thoughts, love the refraining sentiment
Rolland Avatar
April 25, 2025 at 8:48 PM
not easy, but i try to be wiser everyday, nature is helpful thanks poet for stopping by
Empress Avatar
April 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
A beautiful and deeply meaningful poem this is dear yann, very well written and delivered and i agree sometimes we need to take our time and slow down; and go with the flow: as we tend to often be in a rush, so this poem really leaves a message and a reminder to readers in such a poetic manner. Much needed! Pleasure reading your poem today! Sending you light today and always
Rolland Avatar
April 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
thank you so much, IE for the enlightening comments , this is artfuland so friendly, have a sweet day
Gifford Avatar
April 22, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Hello Yann, this is well said and beautifully written. You’re so right we should all try to slow down looking around more. Have a great day my friend.
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:14 PM
thank you so much, zyrool for the supportive and friendly comment whishes
George Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 8:48 PM
All of us are in a hurry. We have to slow down or else we will never be able to see the beauty of nature and the lovely things around. Beautifully written.... dear Yaan. Your love of nature is evident in most of your poems.
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
thank you valsa for the thoughtful and supportive comment, your point of view is accurate and precious merci
Rodrigues Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Excellent imagery and wording! <3
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
thanks kim, for your support and stopping by
Dietrich Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
What a find tribute to Walt Whitman. I like this very much
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:17 PM
thanks andrea, your consideration means a lot for me
Bauer Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 12:22 PM
I'm not sure about becoming "as smart as Walt Whitman," Yann, but it's a very good idea to "slow down the pace" to really take in all that's around us. So few people do and, as a New Yorker, I'm inclined to always move as fast as I can wherever I am. Your advice makes a lot of sense...
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:20 PM
thank you so much Ilene, for stopping and sharing a thoughtful and deep comment, i couldn't lve in New York more than a week, i am deeply a country man, even my small town in france ( 200 000 inhabitants) fatigues me however i love NY a fantastic city
De Beaulieu Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Hello Yann rolland, that is right. We must slow down and see what is before us that we miss when we rush for nothing. enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
De Beaulieu Avatar
April 24, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Hello Yann Roland, I agree Yann, Yet some people move too fast. I like your opinion Yann. thank you Yann..Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Thanks Darlen, to make short, if we slow down, we will increase intelligence of everyone, that' my opinion, enjoyed your comment
Buhagiar Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Life is complicated so much that we tend to ignore the obvious.
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:22 PM
beautifully written, totally agree wishes
Anaya Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 8:46 AM
He, the father of free verse. This is true, if we slow down and see what is all around us. You are very passionate about life, very nice flow in poem~
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:23 PM
thank you so much anaya for your supportive words, enjoyed your stopping by and friendship
Andresen Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 7:22 AM
- So true... many people go through life and see nothing... too busy with completely different things - A lovely poem, Yann :) - hugs
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:25 PM
totally true anne lise, i think more people are totally blind and become stupid, ignoring them thank you
Kendrick Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Creative thought used in writing this one. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sara K
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:25 PM
thank you sara for stopping by nicely
Onclaud Avatar
April 21, 2025 at 3:58 AM
lovely devotional from your creative pen!
Rolland Avatar
April 23, 2025 at 11:26 PM
thanks Nette for stopping by, have a nice day
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