Quest

for her sister's one hundredth birthday
      a new sweater purchase from a store blocks away
      a goal coveted, though for the aged, no such thing
                                                as risk-free walking

she believes
       self help springs from iron determination
anchored by her walker, 
     she trudges,
     dismissable pain from battered knees
                                     that grind in bone shrapnel

sapped by the demands of her quest,
her return walk of measured step affliction,
        fatigue eroding
"Should I call police to usher me home?"
        her thoughts like fabric fraying
in the ruling wreckage of movement, willfully overcome

she wraps her sister's white sweater that
        ribbons their legitimacy 
        that hold them together
        curbing minds drifting
        daily quest to fight fading

two sisters, resilient blooms
        to rage at pulls to brokenness 
        to slip what traps the aged
        their undimmed merit in the slow lane
        hardy hearts still beating
        pivoting
        in life flourishing love
        that holds its footing in this world's
                                                           detachment



Poem composed: October 3/21
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
January 3, 2022 at 10:45 PM
I love your imagery. This poem is so uplifting. My father is 93 and my mother-in-law is 92 and just cleaned the garage. Wasn't it Rosevelt who said, "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up? Bless those who have "undimmed merit in the slow lane" A powerful, positive line Brian. A meaningful poem.
Sambourne Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 6:18 AM
Thanks very much Marikate. My mother is a remarkably determined woman. I believe her October walk was likely her last long sojourn. Mum has always been goal centred. She accomplished her mission + pushes on. Sincerely Brian
Spilchuk Avatar
October 14, 2021 at 10:19 AM
A poem filled with resilience, inspiration, and encouragement. One can't help but think of the cliche, "You're only as old as you feel." A very nice verse. Take care.
Sambourne Avatar
October 14, 2021 at 3:23 PM
Thanks very much, Dennis. Your comments are most welcomed. There is certainly a driving force in my mother despite her late 90's afflictions. Be well. Brian
Kauffman Avatar
October 9, 2021 at 8:54 AM
What a wonderful picture of selfless love, Brian. Your images are so sharp with inventive creativity. Congratulations on your win. Thank you for this beautiful story. Blessings.
Sambourne Avatar
October 9, 2021 at 4:24 PM
Greetings Sam. Thank you for reading + commenting on my posting. It's funny how the mind works - I fixate on an image + then try to flesh out the edges without falling into the pit of too many adjectives. Restraint is tough. Be well. Thank you again. Brian
Seeker Avatar
October 8, 2021 at 6:42 PM
Wow! An amazing, inspiring poem of never say die, unflinching love! Congrats on your win, Brian
Sambourne Avatar
October 8, 2021 at 7:04 PM
My appreciation for your most thoughtful comments. My mother's quest sparked the lines. Happy, healthy days to you + all. Sincerely, Brian
Goldsmith Avatar
October 5, 2021 at 12:58 PM
Congratulations on your win. What a wonderful story/write. "Love This One" She must think age is just a number. Good she can keep doing things. Have a blessed day.................
Sambourne Avatar
October 5, 2021 at 2:34 PM
Hello Paula, Thanks very much for your thoughtful words. My mother is something of a rebel, strong willed + determined. That spirit fuels her. Be well. Sincerely, Brian
La France Avatar
October 5, 2021 at 9:02 AM
Brian, congratulations on your win in my "P" contest with this emotional and beautifully penned poem, well done ~ peace and tranquility _Constance
Sambourne Avatar
October 5, 2021 at 10:30 AM
Thank you, Constance, for the recognition. Best wishes, Brian
Alex Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 9:04 PM
A beautiful narration of affection. Congratulations!
Sambourne Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 9:40 PM
You're very kind, Christuraj, to stop by + leave a comment. Sometimes life hands you a simple narrative that has a poetic edge. I was fortunate. Be well. Sincerely, Brian
Evans Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 8:14 PM
Congratulations. I can picture your Mum with her sister celebrating their sisterly love.
Sambourne Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 8:19 PM
Thank you, Marilene. Both sisters are troopers as they push on through ailments. My mother was a "bomb girl" during World War 2. She has quite a history. With appreciation, Brian
Horsman Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 6:51 PM
A determination, rarely seen now a days. Wonderful story, and love how poetic it became.
Sambourne Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 8:21 PM
My appreciation for your affirmative comments, Harry. My mother undertook the long walk, independently, foregoing transit, taxis, my car to journey on her own. Be well. Brian
Evans Avatar
October 3, 2021 at 11:35 AM
Love for the sister so heart felt..... beautifully penned.
Sambourne Avatar
October 3, 2021 at 2:02 PM
Thanks very much Marilene. The poem is based on truth as my mum (98) ventured forth to buy the sweater for my aunt's birthday this October. Be well. Sincerely Brian
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