The Beaten Track

A déjà vu?  What can I say?
I know the track so well.
It is so dark yet treacherous.
I am not afraid.  Careful, here is a curve,
it almost turns onto itself.
An old oak tree stands there,
just off the corner.  I can smell
its delicious odour or feel
its sturdy trunk, its cracked bark.
I hear the lower heavy branches
swinging slowly in the breeze.
 
Watch out, there's a ditch there,
dank water, that smells like drains.
And just before it a small jutting rock
that can easily help you tumble
into the murky stinking place.
 
Walk on, do not mind the dark
nor the screech of the nightly owl,
just mind where you step 
for the ground is quite treacherous here.
It's not far now.  Hear the dog
on guard, barking its warning.
Not to worry, it knows me all too well
although I cannot see it.
How can I?  I'm blind.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Proxenos Avatar
April 6, 2024 at 4:44 AM
Hi Victor this is a beautiful poem written with such familiarity of the treacherous ground, the sound and smell and touch of the old oak tree and even though you surprise us at the end by telling us you are blind, this path is so well known to you, you can travel it in the dark, excellent poetry. Hugs and blessings Jennifer
Rodgers Avatar
April 3, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Dear Victor, I feel that your poem guides us through the familiar yet perilous journey of life's beaten track. The pervasive darkness, curves, and obstacles symbolizes the challenges we face, while the sensory details evoke a sense of presence and resilience. Despite the darkness, there's a quiet courage in your words, a determination to navigate the path with care and familiarity. I loved that even in blindness, there is strength and familiarity in the journey. Blessings, Daniel
George Avatar
April 3, 2024 at 3:53 AM
I do wonder how the blind see but I also think that they are fabulous because they have all their senses at ease. Great piece Victor.
Gentile Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 5:28 AM
Victor, so powerfully descriptive with such imagery as a blind man would know in his head! I had no idea till the end! So well done! Happy Tuesday!
Rose  Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 4:28 AM
you have personified this really well, its awful being blind and not being able to see, but the sensors always work so well, thanks for sharing this Victor, have a blessed day, :)
Rolland Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 10:56 PM
wonderful poem, so powerful and touching , speaks to me, i know sometimes the tracks too, very inspiring poetry, take care poet
Roper Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 8:11 PM
Enjoyed reading your story, with a twist at the end. Hugs my friend
Daniel Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 7:54 PM
Exceptional story with wonderful imagery, Victor, the twist makes it all the more profound:)
DiMino Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Wow! Did not expect that! Well done. Story lingers in one's mind -- such a challenging life to say the least.
Buehler Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 5:32 PM
Victor, your inspiring poem tells an interesting story, with the twist at the end that your so stories so often have. Finding one's way in the dark always takes courage, and I was glad for the triumphant ending. :)
Buhagiar Avatar
April 3, 2024 at 1:50 AM
****
Poet Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 2:10 PM
Great that poem delves into the profound themes of comfort, courage, and reliance amid obscurity. It delves into the concept of traversing a daunting journey with unwavering assurance. Illustrated through the image of strolling along a dimly lit and perilous path that they appear to be intimately acquainted with. Along their way, hurdles such as bends, an ancient oak tree, a murky water-filled trench, and a vociferous canine. However, they maneuver through these trials with a sense of ease.
Kendrick Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Very descriptive lines penned. At the end, I could see how it would be a description made by a person who could be blind. Thanks for sharing it with us and for dropping by my page. Do you suppose the angels brought Jesus some clothes to put on when they took part in rolling away the stone. Sara K
Cunningham Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 12:34 PM
An enjoyable read Victor, they say your other senses improve to make up for the loss of sight. Tom
Rodrigues Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 10:48 AM
I know the track so well. It is so dark yet treacherous. & those last lines where we find out he is blind. Love your storytelling! Hugs ~ Kim
Romios Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 10:27 AM
What a bagulous ending to an aeyully free versed poen, It really took ne by surprise Good job,Victor, Hope your Easter was perfect, Pangie xx
Dietrich Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 9:32 AM
Oh wow. That's a great twist at the end, Victor.
May Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 9:28 AM
All the other senses became very sharp as he journeys through the obstacles, A moving write
One Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 8:11 AM
Your poem is a poignant exploration of perception, memory, and resilience in the face of adversity. It invites the reader to consider the ways in which we experience the world beyond the limitations of sight, and the importance of trust and familiarity in navigating life's journey.
Bowring Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 7:34 AM
Dear Victor, such a profound write and very touching. A captivating read from the first word to the last as the reader is drawn in with the person treading carefully. You can so easily sense the caution and reliability on sounds and smell more than sight as you have so skilfully described here. I do admire blind people so very much and am in awe of their bravery as they go about their daily activities. Your last line is powerful. A very reflective read with great sensitivity.
Bowring Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 7:35 AM
Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.
Pandit Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 6:59 AM
Very deep poem, Victor. You had me glued to the page from start to end--reading powerful images. Great poem--a superb ending line, as well.
Greenhough Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 5:32 AM
A very thoughtful poem. Thank you.
George Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 5:20 AM
A blind man can sense the beaten track, he has walked over several times, though for him everything is dark. I have watched blind people taking every step with utmost care and walking without a hitch. It has really surprised me as if they have a sixth sense. The suspense at the end of the poem was bewildering. Enjoyed reading your poem, dear Victor.
Empress Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 4:02 AM
What a deep write this is dear victor, i know few that cant see, but are so sharp that they know their way around and can see better than the ones that can see. I love the opening lines in this and how it flows in such a seamless manner, you always touch on very intriguing and moving subjects, and this is no different. Pleasure reading your work always
Allison Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 3:40 AM
we do a lot of work with folk with sight issues Victor, this is such a powerful piece and brought tears to my eyes. hugs Jan xx
Andresen Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 2:59 AM
- Even though we know the way... in the dark everything changes... the senses become stronger - Those who are blind know these senses better than we who see ... a great poem, Victor :) - hugs
Allison Avatar
April 1, 2024 at 3:41 AM
agreed Anne- Lise and sometimes they 'see' and understand things better than those with full sight! I'm helping out at a creative writing workshop for those with sight issues, will be interesting to see their views:-) hugs Jan xx
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