Kicking through the moss
in the cooling evening air
I’m staring down the barrel
of a living Rivelin Valley
Crickets clicking in the tall grass
bramble searching for a shin
I stoop to flick away
the tickle of a nettle
caught under my tongue
O, why could I not have felt this way
at twenty one
To know myself
my capabilities, my limitations
to feel this comfortable
in my own skin
or in company
O, to have been at peace
at twenty one…
Now, I am humbled every day
by the wonder of this place…
The birds join each other and sing
contentedly, of a night that’s closing in
The faintest kiss of summer
still smacking on my skin
There’s such endless opportunity
in this undulating scenery
I throw my bare arms into the sky
thankfully and breathing deeply
High with every lungful
I’m still here and doing fine…
The journey takes whatever course is needed
meanders through required weeds
Arriving at the edge of town
a spray-painted billboard message greets me
“There is no wealth but life”
And I agree
there is no wealth but life…
I’m humbled every day
by the wonder of this place…
Thanks for reading.
The Lighthouse 
I wonder if it’s even possible to feel that way at 21? Happy New Year!
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I suspect you’re probably right there Ingrid. Experience is key to understanding and appreciating how fortunate you are. Happy new year to you too!
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Thank you Tom. Peace, contentment and good health to you for 2022.
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Thanks Peter, I hope 2022 brings you lots of wonder to appreciate.
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I love this feeling and you have captured it perfectly Tom. Such a great piece to end the year with; it uplifts the soul.
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Thank you Bree. I’m so pleased this poem came along when it did. I’m looking forward to going out hiking this afternoon and hopefully The Wonder won’t be far away…
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An uplifting piece, Tom, and I wish you a New Year filled with beautiful poetry 🙂
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Thank you Gretchen! Same to you too. I hope it’s exciting, inspirational and memorable for all the right reasons. Looking forward to reading more of your work in 2022. Thanks for all your lovely and supportive comments. T
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🙂
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