he progresses
five steps at a time
to reach a wall
a fence
that he can lean on
air that tastes
so sweet
is hard these days
to come by
a moment of rest
till the gasps calm down
to regular breathing
then
five steps more
and five steps more
again
it’s important to keep moving
even though the atmosphere
is so thin
down here
on planet earth
and the small brown hen
the last remaining hen
is waiting
she has no flock
to be part of
they have passed away
one by one
to a cat
to a fox
to a feather depleting
decrepitude
and now she waits
for the shuffle
of him
beside the yard gate
in her nest
is an egg
he sits beside her laying box
on a chair he placed
some time ago
to one side
in his hand
a covered palm
of golden wheat
she dainty steps
until she can stand
upon him
on his knees
to take each grain
one peck
one peck at a time
until they’re gone
and then she leaves him
and goes to forage the yard
again
and he
can take his five steps
all the way back
to the rest
of his life
~
-
Author:
Frank Prem (
Offline) - Published: January 8th, 2018 00:40
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 19
- User favorite of this poem: Laura🌻.
Offline)
Comments5
Very intriguing, Frank. You really drew me in right through to the end, which was unexpected. Great writing.
Thanks Fred. A portrait of my father (on a good day!).
I haven't been on here in awhile, but happy to have happened back and discovered this beautiful gem. Thank you for the pleasure
Hi Velvet. Welcome back.
Thank you for reading.
A well told story portrayed here, Frank. I am intrigued by a line referring to the 'thin atmosphere on planet earth' ... compared to what, or where? Just wondering.
Hi Louis. It;s really a reference to how difficult he finds it to get air into his lungs. Like being on a mountain top, or such.
Glad you enjoyed.
The vivid draw of this poignant scene is a reminder that whatever comes to us in our journey through life we can with effort make a difference to others - even those who can never speak their grateful thankyous - -- a lovely read Fred.
CHeers Fay. Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the piece.
Thank you for this share, Frank!
This write reminds me of my dad! He loved to walk everywhere! The last few years of his life, it became very difficult to walk the half mile he did every day! He managed to do it till the end! He would start his walk and every few minutes he’d rest! An amazing man!
It's a very emotionally moving thing to watch someone doing such heroic small feats.
Spot on, Frank!
Presently, I watch my mom
dealing with her infirmities!
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