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



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Date: 1/3/2022 10:45:00 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.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/4/2022 6:18:00 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
Date: 10/14/2021 10:19:00 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.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/14/2021 3:23:00 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
Date: 10/9/2021 8:54:00 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.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/9/2021 4:24:00 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
Date: 10/8/2021 6:42:00 PM
Wow! An amazing, inspiring poem of never say die, unflinching love! Congrats on your win, Brian
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/8/2021 7:04:00 PM
My appreciation for your most thoughtful comments. My mother's quest sparked the lines. Happy, healthy days to you + all. Sincerely, Brian
Date: 10/5/2021 12:58:00 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.................
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/5/2021 2:34:00 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
Date: 10/5/2021 9:02:00 AM
Brian, congratulations on your win in my "P" contest with this emotional and beautifully penned poem, well done ~ peace and tranquility _Constance
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/5/2021 10:30:00 AM
Thank you, Constance, for the recognition. Best wishes, Brian
Date: 10/4/2021 9:04:00 PM
A beautiful narration of affection. Congratulations!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/4/2021 9:40:00 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
Date: 10/4/2021 8:14:00 PM
Congratulations. I can picture your Mum with her sister celebrating their sisterly love.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/4/2021 8:19:00 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
Date: 10/4/2021 6:51:00 PM
A determination, rarely seen now a days. Wonderful story, and love how poetic it became.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/4/2021 8:21:00 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
Date: 10/3/2021 11:35:00 AM
Love for the sister so heart felt..... beautifully penned.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 10/3/2021 2:02:00 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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