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 it needs
meanders through required weeds
Arriving at the edge of town
a spray-painted billboard message greets me
“There’s no wealth but life”
And I agree
there’s no wealth but life…
I’m humbled every day
by the wonder of this place…
[2021]
Thanks for reading.
Happy New Year and thanks for stopping by The Lighthouse in 2021. I really appreciate it, you’re the best.
The Lighthouse 