>Back in the day
(When I walked with difficulty)
I would watch
Others’ steps.
Heel-toe, heel-toe
The ankle flexes.
The foot arches.
The leg swings.
Each pace is magic.
Each motion leaves a trail of
Fairy dust behind…
Scribbles of amazement.
Now I watch people’s hands.
Look how the fingers grasp that small object!
Watch as hand and arm turn the page!
Marvel as small muscles move the pen to make letters!
At once I am filled with breathless wonder
And plunged into a sea of sadness.
My feet no longer walk.
My hands no longer write.
I hold my heart open
By celebrating the magic of motion
And forgiving myself for having to forgive
Those perpetrators unconscious of miracles unfolding.
>Beautifully written. I feel like you just called me to duty.
I really do get it. Now, if I can just live it.
Nicole
>I love this!! It exactly captures how I felt when walking was a major struggle for me. It was so strange to think about and realize that walking was such a complex, magical process. Every step took great thought and effort and still often didn't go quite right, and I spent a lot of time watching people walking without realizing how magical it was. I'm lucky that I regained my "fairy dust" but the experience changed me and I try to always be mindful and appreciative of the magic now. Thank you for this beautiful poem.
>Thanks for your comments Kayla and Nicole. There is wonder and magic all around me if I just remember to notice it.
>I'm going to bring this one to my physical therapist tomorrow. She's going to love it.
Nicole