deepundergroundpoetry.com
Solvitur Ambulando (NaPoWriMo 2022 #5)
I like walking,
no,
not the complex sort
involving thick boots, sticks, muddy paths
with lungs full of fresh air
and moral superiority
that only come from
a charmed and pampered yet empty life
not found in poverty or hardship.
Anyway,
I like walking;
the simple,
yet fantastically elaborate
act of bipedal perambulation,
slipping into semi-trance
with each step stamping
onto tarmac or paved paths
flanked by hedges and trees
bordered off by faded fences
as birds chirp and twitter away
sometimes accompanied by car's vroom.
There has to be something said
about enjoying such simple moments
in trying times
that seem to demand attention and action,
wandering further and further
from the bewildered mortal
moving ahead for some primal reason,
with the trees
and rocks
and sky
as ageless spectators
to the temporary footprints.
no,
not the complex sort
involving thick boots, sticks, muddy paths
with lungs full of fresh air
and moral superiority
that only come from
a charmed and pampered yet empty life
not found in poverty or hardship.
Anyway,
I like walking;
the simple,
yet fantastically elaborate
act of bipedal perambulation,
slipping into semi-trance
with each step stamping
onto tarmac or paved paths
flanked by hedges and trees
bordered off by faded fences
as birds chirp and twitter away
sometimes accompanied by car's vroom.
There has to be something said
about enjoying such simple moments
in trying times
that seem to demand attention and action,
wandering further and further
from the bewildered mortal
moving ahead for some primal reason,
with the trees
and rocks
and sky
as ageless spectators
to the temporary footprints.
Published 5th Apr 2022
| Edited 6th Apr 2022
Author's Note
Entry 5 for NaPoWriMo 2022. Put your best foot forward, and then your other foot!
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 5
reading list entries 3
comments 8
reads 258
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
5th Apr 2022 7:26pm
Ooh yes! Yes! Yes!
Where to start on this?
Well the title obviously... absolutely stellar choice because Yes it is solved by walking! The Latin is a magnificent touch to this.
The rhythm or flow as the youngsters like to call it is perfect... one can feel increments of speed to the torcherous uphill in the speed changes of the narrative which is masterful.
The opening stanza tows the reader in beautifully and the contrast of the heavy vrs the free light aired enjoyment is just wonderful.
It reminded me of my father who would fetch his hand carved walking stick to walk the Suburb in the evenings.. still fully clad in his work suit and tie.
The second stanza is jam packed with images and I enjoyed the contrasting between the natural birds and trees and the motor car.. a beautiful depiction.
The moral tied up so poetically in the final of the beauty of it all of the self reflection and the masculinity of the primal mixed with the tenderness of appreciation for the natural.
The temporary foot prints was a superb finish for me...
It brought a memory of us kids being out in what we call "the veld" and a sign saying leave only your footprints and those are as you say temporary.
I think this is without doubt one of my favorite poems. You should really consider doing a live read of this... it's lovely!
Blue Skies at you great lord of greatness!
Al
Where to start on this?
Well the title obviously... absolutely stellar choice because Yes it is solved by walking! The Latin is a magnificent touch to this.
The rhythm or flow as the youngsters like to call it is perfect... one can feel increments of speed to the torcherous uphill in the speed changes of the narrative which is masterful.
The opening stanza tows the reader in beautifully and the contrast of the heavy vrs the free light aired enjoyment is just wonderful.
It reminded me of my father who would fetch his hand carved walking stick to walk the Suburb in the evenings.. still fully clad in his work suit and tie.
The second stanza is jam packed with images and I enjoyed the contrasting between the natural birds and trees and the motor car.. a beautiful depiction.
The moral tied up so poetically in the final of the beauty of it all of the self reflection and the masculinity of the primal mixed with the tenderness of appreciation for the natural.
The temporary foot prints was a superb finish for me...
It brought a memory of us kids being out in what we call "the veld" and a sign saying leave only your footprints and those are as you say temporary.
I think this is without doubt one of my favorite poems. You should really consider doing a live read of this... it's lovely!
Blue Skies at you great lord of greatness!
Al
6th Apr 2022 8:26pm
In a way this is 3 poems! A rant, my actual poem, and then a musing on humanity.
I actually added the title last; wanted a pithy phrase and this one just fits.
Thanks for the in depth analysis; I would be lying if my response would be "well I just wrote it and hadn't thought of that!"
I actually added the title last; wanted a pithy phrase and this one just fits.
Thanks for the in depth analysis; I would be lying if my response would be "well I just wrote it and hadn't thought of that!"
Ah, a poem after my own heart.
So I attend a walking group once a week. Not mountains or anything, but we meet in the local nature park and walk mindfully together, basically as an exercise for mental health and well-being. One of the many things I now attend to keep my mental health in check. Because when it’s not in check, it gets a bit hairy up in here.
Anyhoo.
A lot of the philosophy behind the mindful walk is based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who was a Buddhist monk that wrote very much about walking simply.
This poem just reminded me so much of his teaching, and it’s something I read every week, so I’ll share it with you:
“Take my hand.
We will walk.
We will only walk.
We will enjoy our walk
without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Walk peacefully.
Walk happily.
Our walk is a peace walk.
Our walk is a happiness walk.
Then we learn
that there is no peace walk;
that peace is the walk;
that there is no happiness walk;
that happiness is the walk.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for everyone
always hand in hand.
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom under our feet.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Print on Earth your love and happiness.
Earth will be safe
when we feel in us enough safety.“
Thanks, Viddax. This was a peaceful moment.
-M
So I attend a walking group once a week. Not mountains or anything, but we meet in the local nature park and walk mindfully together, basically as an exercise for mental health and well-being. One of the many things I now attend to keep my mental health in check. Because when it’s not in check, it gets a bit hairy up in here.
Anyhoo.
A lot of the philosophy behind the mindful walk is based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who was a Buddhist monk that wrote very much about walking simply.
This poem just reminded me so much of his teaching, and it’s something I read every week, so I’ll share it with you:
“Take my hand.
We will walk.
We will only walk.
We will enjoy our walk
without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Walk peacefully.
Walk happily.
Our walk is a peace walk.
Our walk is a happiness walk.
Then we learn
that there is no peace walk;
that peace is the walk;
that there is no happiness walk;
that happiness is the walk.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for everyone
always hand in hand.
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom under our feet.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Print on Earth your love and happiness.
Earth will be safe
when we feel in us enough safety.“
Thanks, Viddax. This was a peaceful moment.
-M
6th Apr 2022 8:31pm
I will admit that my walking is more often than not, done at a brisk pace because thankfully I am young and healthy. Though the pace even if quick, is soothing, as it allows my mind to wander a bit as muscle memory kicks in.
I suppose it is just oxygen actually getting in my lungs and to my brain, that makes walking pleasurable!
Thanks for the poem, Thich Nhat Hanh sounds to be a very wise being indeed. (Though my restless soul isn't quite suited for Buddhism; or should embrace it to become sated - a talk for another time!)
I suppose it is just oxygen actually getting in my lungs and to my brain, that makes walking pleasurable!
Thanks for the poem, Thich Nhat Hanh sounds to be a very wise being indeed. (Though my restless soul isn't quite suited for Buddhism; or should embrace it to become sated - a talk for another time!)
6th Apr 2022 3:36pm
Exactly. I often walked in the neighborhood in my 30's. One evening, at near sundown, I passed by a home that was only slightly lit, and sunlight poured through back windows and right through to the sidewalk where I was walking. This continued for several weeks, and other houses had this same effect....a point at which for a split second these buildings became transparent. I painted a series of 100 pieces called "Windows." A simple walk...a universal experience.
6th Apr 2022 8:32pm
Oh wow! 100 pieces: sounds that you were surely inspired. Literal windows into other people's lives.
11th Apr 2022 10:02pm
Interesting....that was decades ago but I had never thought directly about those who lived there....only of the house itself. Thank you for expanding my vision.
12th Apr 2022 8:39pm
Ha! Well I can always provide new insights it seems. Not necessarily insights asked for, or matching what others see, but new and different; like a sub-par superpower/curse.
