Gillian Stoneham
Recovery Walk
The woods are steep: trees and streams cling
and fall on slopes; so I set out
uphill, avoid the more difficult journey back.
Walking the other way would be more exciting,
unexplored, fraught with the chance
of my weakened body making no return.
Then I picture it: going down and unable
to climb back up, I leave myself there
and the same the next day and the next,
so that after a week
there would be seven of me waiting
at the bottom of the wood – relaxing perhaps, enjoying
the wonder of it,
each in a singular way appropriate
to a different day
noting a wagtail’s yellow flash
arrow the water,
windflowers open, raucous battle of jays.
Sometime I’ll go back down and meet them all,
shake hands, exchange experiences, nod
in a friendly way, expressing recognition.
Page(s) 19
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