I see them
most every week
when I’m driving.
The little man
with his little wife
going for their afternoon stroll
on the sidewalk
in our neighborhood,
holding hands.
They must be 75
years old, at least, and
his leg is bad—
the knee, I think.
His other hand
holds a cane,
but he doesn’t use it—holds it
parallel to the ground.
Just in case.
And she,
with her opposing hand,
carries an umbrella,
unopened.
It is Seattle,
you know,
better to be prepared.
Just in case.
I love this scene,
supporting each other,
ready in case of stumbling,
ready in case the rain comes.
They’ve been blessed
to have weathered
life together—so long.
I imagine that will be us.
I know one day
I will see only one of them
going on that walk…
Then I picture you,
tomorrow, in your bunker gear,
and rush home
to kiss you
until we’re 75,
at least.
Just in case.
Copyright 2012 Jennifer Wagner
dVerse: Characters Nonfiction
Touching hopeful scene
ReplyDeleteIt is that--thanks for reading John :)
DeleteCould easily have been Doreen and me, if we had been in Seattle. It's a beautiful picture you paint and you delineate it well. Thanks for helping to make my morning.
ReplyDeleteAww I love that. Thanks Dave, and thank you for sharing a bit of your story too.
Deletebeautiful...what a lovely couple...supporting each other...i would probably sit and watch them as well...and hope that would be me one day....smiles.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite lovely to see. Hope it is you one day too :)
DeleteI enjoy watching old couples walk and talk together ~ No, don't wait but to appreciate each moment now ~ Lovely romantic share ~
ReplyDeleteDefinitely right...never know what tomorrow will bring. Thanks Heaven!
DeleteSuch a beautiful composition that made me sad and happy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI love the old couples who are still in love. I took a photograph of an unknown couple intertwined in each other and fast asleep on a bench facing the seafront. Love this photo and love your words.
Anna :o]
I would love to see that photo! Maybe I could get you to post it (if you haven't already)? Let me know. Thanks so much Anna :)
Deletewonderful. I pray my wife will be willing to put up with me that long.
ReplyDeleteHa! I'll pray for her too :P hehe...thanks for sharing!
DeleteThis is beautifully observed and written.
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you very much!
Deleteit is so beautiful to observe old couples, enjoying that little time that is left together..they went through so much often...very tender write
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, I think so too, and special. Thanks so much!
DeleteAww... this is very touching. A neighbor of mine walks twice daily and she is over 85.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds awesome. Thanks Laurie!
DeleteI love how this image is something that I believe is a fairly universal sight, we have a couple fairly similar who still walk at night, yet the details you provide, make us not see the familiarity of our old couples, instead replace them with the one you see. Excellent piece. Great job of using details to build character
ReplyDeleteThanks Fred--really cool that you connected it that way, I like that. So appreciate your comment!
DeleteJust wonderful - an especial poignancy to the end - really terrific. k.
ReplyDeletek-thanks! I'm glad you found it so--really appreciate your words :)
DeleteAre you sure this isn't in my neighborhood...though we don't need to carry umbrellas here in Reno and the dogs drag us around...and we're not quite 75. I love this little scene and the ending is just perfect, heartwarming. Beware, it happens more quickly than you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteAww...I love it! Wish we didn't need umbrellas so often around here, and actually most people just don't use them unless they are sitting in one spot for awhile (at kids' baseball or soccer games and such). Thanks for a really great prompt Victoria--and your valuable comment! Always appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteIt is so wonderful (in this day and age) where even love has also become so 'throw away' that relationships still can and do endure. So many don't realise that love takes a lot of work to keep alive, it doesn't just happen, and they tend to walk away because it's easier than effort. Love the tenderness of this and, your hope for your own relationship in 75 years :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Relationships, if you want them to work, take effort--a lot of effort. Thanks so much Daydreamertoo--really value your comments!
DeleteLove it. I see couples like this walking in our neighborhood. A wonderful scene.
ReplyDeleteYou painted yours very nicely!
Thanks Charles! Wish I saw it even more often. Glad you came by--appreciate your kind words!
DeleteNot easy to let go of that lifelong partner and soulmate either...well told ;)
ReplyDeleteI imagine the grief would be so difficult...good reminder to savor today...thanks for commenting kkkkaty!
DeleteSuperb, what a beautiful couple
ReplyDeleteThanks marousia!
DeleteLovely write, I like to watch older couples walking along the beach...it's like they go back to the young couple they were, carefree at the beginning and the end... very hopeful feel to this one!
ReplyDeleteAww that's so sweet and lovely to watch! I've seen it too and you're right it is like they "go back" and are "carefree at the beginning and the end". So neat to see. Thanks pandamoniumcat :)
DeleteVery lucky to have each other indeed. And while you're kissing that man you love - remind him to get regular check-ups and take care of himself. There are no guarantees on the sidewalk to old age but taking care of your health is a start. Lovely poem and I wish you both health, peace, and joy in the everpresent "now".
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder Beachanny--and he does, as it is a requirement of the job. Thanks so much for your thoughts on my poem and your good wishes to us--so kind of you!
Deletestunning! you capture them so beautifully, I feel as though I'm there watching them. you wrapped so much into this walk.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it RMP--thanks for commenting!
DeleteA very heart-warming scene to observe a loving couple together. A nice write!
ReplyDeleteHank
Thanks Hank, I appreciate the compliment!
DeleteLovely piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you PattiKen.
Delete"to kiss you until we're 75"...this is such a sweet piece.
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so :)
Delete