Day 14

Writing into Life, more

Lydia and I did a double circuit of the woodland walk today. She was a bit reluctant to go round again, but soon started to enjoy more sniffs and it gave us both a good dose of fresh autumn air and gentle cardiovascular exercise.

Did some cupboard clearing and cleaning later, with a few things loaded into my car, ready for a tip run tomorrow.

I’ve had regular resting sessions between my exertions, meditating from a horizontal position which may not follow the guidance to the letter, but it’s worked for me today. Feeling much calmer – more of the time – than a few days ago.  It’s also helped enormously having support from friends. So lucky to have them in my life, including Lydia, of course. A very faithful friend.

Day 8

Writing into Life, more

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Yesterday I ate cake and nothing but cake. But I didn’t eat the whole cake.  I had some more for brunch today and there’s still plenty left. It’s just as well, then, that I like cake.

It’s quickly come back round to ‘Mental Health Monday’, with yoga and Qigong each concentrating on areas that I’m glad to have some help with, including joints, back and legs. All good for mind, body and spirit.

Lydia is learning not to bark at the sheep in a field close to where we start our woodland walk.  The field that the path to the wood cuts through is planted with a combination of brassicas and legumes that are still in the early stages of growing.  I haven’t seen this combination of planting before, and wonder if it will be a crop that matures before winter, or in the spring.  We shall see.

Although it is a signed public footpath through the field, I’m careful where I tread, to minimise impact on the crop. At the moment it doesn’t look like it’s getting much traffic other than from Lydia and me, but over the last few years it has been well trod throughout the year. 

Lydia spots a squirrel in a tree, but doesn’t seem too inclined to try and chase it.  She does sniff and pull a lot through the wood. On the way back, though, she’s more settled.  With a bit of encouragement from me, we walk past the sheep and get back to the car.  It’s a grey dampish day but thanks to Lydia I’ve had a chance to get some fresh air and exercise, and smell the smells of the earth and the autumn leaves.

Poetry Rule No 2. Establish a good relationship with a stationery supplier

 First published 8th March 2021

I, The Tree

It is afternoon
soon to be evening
as I wait for her to return
from the business of her day

I always wait for her
and hope she never goes away

I am reaching, always reaching
into the garden she has tended
for many lonely years

I know that she knows I look out for her
and would love to wipe away her tears

But the fingers of my hands are too hard
bent and curled

The best I can do is to soften her sorrow
with the surprise of spring
and after the cold white of winter
the promise of a green and bright tomorrow

Summer comes
a time I love to share
with her
and the garden

She – stooped –
digging and weeding
me with arms outstretched
in full and joyous glory once again
her in her own way
also feeding

Together we grow
each through our seasons

Every year I provide a carpet for her feet
she thanks me from her heart
I feel
and looks out for me
the Tree
hoping I will never go away

I know
with all the branches of my being
I never will

2017 & 2021