Touchstones

My morning walk was rainy;
My feet were soaking wet.
Though I had an umbrella,
Every puddle was a threat.

My mask fogged up my glasses
And the sky was pre-dawn dark.
There weren’t many people out
On paths inside the park.

Yet even dressed in rain gear
With my hat pulled down real low,
My sunrise buddies spotted me
And called out a hello.

I recognized them both as well
By looks and also gait,
Our morning shout-outs the reminders
Of a former state

When strangers were compadres
In the urban life I knew,
Reduced now to my touchstones,
Our good mornings right on cue.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
October 17, 2020 at 5:43 PM
I can feel the thrill you all three experienced, recognizing each other.
Watt Avatar
October 16, 2020 at 12:58 AM
I'm inspired by your regimen of walking, my friend. I think it's a very important part of sanity as well as physical health. Always nice to see the 'regulars' out and about.
Leffanta Avatar
October 13, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Well done! The only way to get used to that pesky mask is to wear it! Mahalo nui loa! Aloha! Rico
Ball Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 10:17 PM
Great write Ilene. Really good description. I could see you walking through the park trying desperately to hang onto some part of your normal life despite all the new restrictions. I think we are all getting tired of this. It's time for the common man to stand up and say enough is too much already. They are using this fear to take away our freedoms. Well done. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving. JB
Rigoler Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 7:05 PM
P.S. Something's wrong with my email. I'm not receiving replies to my work? Not sure what the problem is. Be patient. / M
Rigoler Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 7:01 PM
Your last stanza brought back memories of several people I used to greet on my morning walks in the park years ago. Most were elderly. I went to the park only last week after an absence of 8 months. A few things have changed – fewer old trees, better designed flower beds, and brilliant fall flowers everywhere. Enjoyed reading this poem. / Maurice
Wolf Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 3:13 PM
I second Jan's comment, and admire you for being able to handle the rain with your mask on. You are something else, ilene! Here's to that daily morning walk! :) gw
Allison Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 2:07 PM
Only you could make a rainy morning walk into such a fun poem Ilene, :-) hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
October 12, 2020 at 2:07 PM
Only you could make a rainy morning walk into such a fun poem Ilene, :-) hugs jan xx
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