poems for seekers

[malingerer]

Moderator please help! need buses timetable if any for Saint jean pied de port to Roncesvalles in may 2023. cant seem to connect with any and yes I do know its seasonal. Thanks

Samarkand.

SNOW

A myriad of flakes and sleet

swirl

as if to remind Spring

of an older time

Are these old souls

of The Ice

come back

to the land that once

was theirs

and that this

should not be forgotten

The Bear knows

as we become foolish

with this

His Earth

and

our lifeboat

in space.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SNOW

A myriad of flakes and sleet

swirl

as if to remind Spring

of an older time

Are these old souls

of The Ice

come back

to the land that once

was theirs

and that this

should not be forgotten

The Bear knows

as we become foolish

with this

His Earth

and

our lifeboat

in space.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN

Dreich

the days

and nights grasp my feet

with icy fingers


I switch

to my heaviest duvet

wear a nightshirt

but still come morn

my body clock demands

I recognise the dawn

So up

coffee

check the weather

same as bloody usual

so I pray the buses will run on time

for I am too old

to loiter at stops

when schedules go to hell

and defiantly I give away

my beanie

and tell my skull

"Warm up!

or else you get shaved! "

My toes are cosy

in my boots

so tonight

I'll wear my welly boot sox for bed sox

and keep the sleeping bag

to hand

lest I

an elder

go a Camino in my mind

and search

for

Bobo land.



Walk soft

sleep tight

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

KEEP ON TRUCKIN

Dreich

the days

and nights grasp my feet

with icy fingers


I switch

to my heaviest duvet

wear a nightshirt

but still come morn

my body clock demands

I recognise the dawn

So up

coffee

check the weather

same as bloody usual

so I pray the buses will run on time

for I am too old

to loiter at stops

when schedules go to hell

and defiantly I give away

my beanie

and tell my skull

"Warm up!

or else you get shaved! "

My toes are cosy

in my boots

so tonight

I'll wear my welly boot sox for bed sox

and keep the sleeping bag

to hand

lest I

an elder

go a Camino in my mind

and search

for

Bobo land.



Walk soft

sleep tight

Samarkand.

THE BOBO LANDS

Beloved of childhood myth

and fable

there are no maps

or signposts:

each must make his own

and find it

at the end of every day

when weary

and need of bed.

Oft too exhausted

to sleep

and conscious

of the sounds and smells

of a crowded albergue at night.

Best not to search too hard

lest on awakening

a weariness stays with you

but be as a child again

and Camino

will enfold you

with a memory

and daybreak find you

still a seeker

of High Heart

and

Sure Foot.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE BOBO LANDS

Beloved of childhood myth

and fable

there are no maps

or signposts:

each must make his own

and find it

at the end of every day

when weary

and need of bed.

Oft too exhausted

to sleep

and conscious

of the sounds and smells

of a crowded albergue at night.

Best not to search too hard

lest on awakening

a weariness stays with you

but be as a child again

and Camino

will enfold you

with a memory

and daybreak find you

still a seeker

of High Heart

and

Sure Foot.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

TRIALS


rushed to hospital Saturday

lung infection

queries about my kidneys

blood levels

medication supplied

Monday

notification

I have Covid 19

self isolate for 4 days

Fer Crissake I live alone

I naturally self isolate!

Good neighbour will shop etc

am I down?

nope

just getting more bloody minded

Flight is booked to Bordeaux

2 May

I hope to be on it

So fans and fellow pilgrims

light a few candles please

and say a few words

on my behalf

Mucho gracias

Samarkand

 

[malingerer]

TRIALS


rushed to hospital Saturday

lung infection

queries about my kidneys

blood levels

medication supplied

Monday

notification

I have Covid 19

self isolate for 4 days

Fer Crissake I live alone

I naturally self isolate!

Good neighbour will shop etc

am I down?

nope

just getting more bloody minded

Flight is booked to Bordeaux

2 May

I hope to be on it

So fans and fellow pilgrims

light a few candles please

and say a few words

on my behalf

Mucho gracias

Samarkand

THE SHOW GOES ON

A late evening sun

like

a wayward super trouper

breaks the misting rain

into

a million points of light

dancing

o'er the green of park

as if

to prepare the scene

for when

migrating Swifts

send forth a scout

to see

if I am heart-ready

for Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE SHOW GOES ON

A late evening sun

like

a wayward super trouper

breaks the misting rain

into

a million points of light

dancing

o'er the green of park

as if

to prepare the scene

for when

migrating Swifts

send forth a scout

to see

if I am heart-ready

for Camino.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

CYCLE

Spring

sends in

his deranged gardener

to force-feed

tree and leaf

with savage downpour

and howling wind

to tumble

bird

from sky

and gull

wailing

hungry

back to sea

But

still the flower blooms

and furtive nests appear

to carry life onwards

in the cycle

for Summer

surely

surely

has to come

and with it

my birds of the time

Swifts

to re-draw the skies

and cause my heart

to soar.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[TorontoGMan]

Why do I deal with the dry dust in my mouth,​

the mud on my aching feet,​

the lashing rain and the glaring sun on my skin?​

Because of the beautiful towns?​

Because of the churches?​

Because of the food? Because of the wine?​

No.....​

Because I was summoned!​

Why did I post this? When I read this out loud, almost every time, I get tears in my eyes....even as I write this to you!
Just incredibly fortunate to grasp this opportunity! So so so grateful to God!
Blessings!
gary

 

[malingerer]

Why did I post this? When I read this out loud, almost every time, I get tears in my eyes....even as I write this to you!
Just incredibly fortunate to grasp this opportunity! So so so grateful to God!
Blessings!
gary

EASTER

The Fields of Flame

echo

to the thunder

of The Fire Horse

on golden hooves

as an old and ancient Power

calls

with messages

of Peace

whilst Warlords

deafen

with clamour of arms

as they seek better and better ways

to destroy

rather

than to build.

Walk soft

and stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

EASTER

The Fields of Flame

echo

to the thunder

of The Fire Horse

on golden hooves

as an old and ancient Power

calls

with messages

of Peace

whilst Warlords

deafen

with clamour of arms

as they seek better and better ways

to destroy

rather

than to build.

Walk soft

and stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

A KINDNESS OF STRANGERS II

Saint Jean pied de Port



back again after many years

I light my candles

in the church

after my first Camino

of many years ago

and touch the stones

remembering the steps

I fell down

when feeling very virtuous!

Now

my lungs

heart

and failing balance

cause me problems.

I fall

often

but Camino

and the kindness of strangers

pick me up

again.

The sun is good

on my face

And Saint Jean

seems to open up

where previously

I remember narrow streets.

Perhaps

my own narrowness of spirit

needed this so badly

and I look forward

to the morrow

and the bus to Roncesvalles.

No great walking now

but Dot and I

will do what we can.

Already

she opens my eyes

and heart

to the joy of being a newbie

and my soul laughs

for there is only this nowness

and oneness

as the Mantle

falls around me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

4 May 2023.

 

[malingerer]

A KINDNESS OF STRANGERS II

Saint Jean pied de Port



back again after many years

I light my candles

in the church

after my first Camino

of many years ago

and touch the stones

remembering the steps

I fell down

when feeling very virtuous!

Now

my lungs

heart

and failing balance

cause me problems.

I fall

often

but Camino

and the kindness of strangers

pick me up

again.

The sun is good

on my face

And Saint Jean

seems to open up

where previously

I remember narrow streets.

Perhaps

my own narrowness of spirit

needed this so badly

and I look forward

to the morrow

and the bus to Roncesvalles.

No great walking now

but Dot and I

will do what we can.

Already

she opens my eyes

and heart

to the joy of being a newbie

and my soul laughs

for there is only this nowness

and oneness

as the Mantle

falls around me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

4 May 2023.

A KINDNESS OF STRANGERS II

Saint Jean pied de Port



back again after many years

I light my candles

in the church

after my first Camino

of many years ago

and touch the stones

remembering the steps

I fell down

when feeling very virtuous!

Now

my lungs

heart

and failing balance

cause me problems.

I fall

often

but Camino

and the kindness of strangers

pick me up

again.

The sun is good

on my face

And Saint Jean

seems to open up

where previously

I remember narrow streets.

Perhaps

my own narrowness of spirit

needed this so badly

and I look forward

to the morrow

and the bus to Roncesvalles.

No great walking now

but Dot and I

will do what we can.

Already

she opens my eyes

and heart

to the joy of being a newbie

and my soul laughs

for there is only this nowness

and oneness

as the Mantle

falls around me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

4 May 2023.

THE DONATING OF BOOTS

............................................... at SARRIA

released me

from a weight

of years

and walk.


They were now

too heavy

as my spine distorts

from falls

and the miles

of needs

too many.


The albergue

I stayed at

promised

to give them

to a needy pilgrim

so that the boots may continue

to walk the Camino

on my behalf

even without me in them

Do I still get points with the BUDDHA ?


Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

A KINDNESS OF STRANGERS II

Saint Jean pied de Port



back again after many years

I light my candles

in the church

after my first Camino

of many years ago

and touch the stones

remembering the steps

I fell down

when feeling very virtuous!

Now

my lungs

heart

and failing balance

cause me problems.

I fall

often

but Camino

and the kindness of strangers

pick me up

again.

The sun is good

on my face

And Saint Jean

seems to open up

where previously

I remember narrow streets.

Perhaps

my own narrowness of spirit

needed this so badly

and I look forward

to the morrow

and the bus to Roncesvalles.

No great walking now

but Dot and I

will do what we can.

Already

she opens my eyes

and heart

to the joy of being a newbie

and my soul laughs

for there is only this nowness

and oneness

as the Mantle

falls around me.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

4 May 2023.

SAMOS

and the sound of of water

as I throw silver

to the river:

my old Runic ring

which has lost

the little plate

with insignia.

Even the Ring itself

is a broken circle.

I whisper my thanks

to the murmuring stream

for it's music

and the lessons

the Ring and Runes

have taught me;

now engraved on my soul.

The Ring now lies

upon stones

and marks a place

of peace

where I walked a path

of serenity

with my love

bathed in Quiet.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SAMOS

and the sound of of water

as I throw silver

to the river:

my old Runic ring

which has lost

the little plate

with insignia.

Even the Ring itself

is a broken circle.

I whisper my thanks

to the murmuring stream

for it's music

and the lessons

the Ring and Runes

have taught me;

now engraved on my soul.

The Ring now lies

upon stones

and marks a place

of peace

where I walked a path

of serenity

with my love

bathed in Quiet.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

samarkand.

ODE TO A BONY BUM


An acquisition of age

unwanted

I have nothing soft to sit on

and needs must use

a little

inflatable cushion

donated to me by

a pretty American lady

after much banter

and cheek

( for my cheeks to rest on )

Now

it is a must- have

in my ruck.

Oh! Bliss

Oh! Joy

Hard bus seats

park benches

and wooden seats

in Spanish restaurants

are now sneered at

or should that be farted?

I have

as an elder

grown another and thicker hide

and care not

what others think

as I watch fellow travellers

on cheap airlines

likewise cushion

their weary arse

for lean and mean

I may be

in fashion terms

but in harsh reality

I know

I just have

a

bony bum!

Samarkand

 

[malingerer]

ODE TO A BONY BUM


An acquisition of age

unwanted

I have nothing soft to sit on

and needs must use

a little

inflatable cushion

donated to me by

a pretty American lady

after much banter

and cheek

( for my cheeks to rest on )

Now

it is a must- have

in my ruck.

Oh! Bliss

Oh! Joy

Hard bus seats

park benches

and wooden seats

in Spanish restaurants

are now sneered at

or should that be farted?

I have

as an elder

grown another and thicker hide

and care not

what others think

as I watch fellow travellers

on cheap airlines

likewise cushion

their weary arse

for lean and mean

I may be

in fashion terms

but in harsh reality

I know

I just have

a

bony bum!

Samarkand

CHANGING COLOURS

A flicker of wings

in the blue

of dawn

and my swifts

are gone

high

for their repast

leaving me

to dine

on dreams

and a menu

of yesterdays.

It will be hot

today

and my beach at Finisterre

will be empty

of me

and my love

but full of tourists

and pilgrims

jostling for space

in the race

to change the colour of

their skin

to a hue once regarded

as that of workers

in the fields.

Now

a badge of those

with time to spare

and money to travel.

Walk soft

I say

for the rip-tides

ae not choosy

and will take all offerings.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand



t

 

[malingerer]

CHANGING COLOURS

A flicker of wings

in the blue

of dawn

and my swifts

are gone

high

for their repast

leaving me

to dine

on dreams

and a menu

of yesterdays.

It will be hot

today

and my beach at Finisterre

will be empty

of me

and my love

but full of tourists

and pilgrims

jostling for space

in the race

to change the colour of

their skin

to a hue once regarded

as that of workers

in the fields.

Now

a badge of those

with time to spare

and money to travel.

Walk soft

I say

for the rip-tides

ae not choosy

and will take all offerings.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand



t

DRAWING LINES

A Sky

full of vapour trails

as Man

vaunts his passage

with smoke

and sound

as my Swifts

carve the evening

in a silence

beautiful

and

more lasting.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DRAWING LINES

A Sky

full of vapour trails

as Man

vaunts his passage

with smoke

and sound

as my Swifts

carve the evening

in a silence

beautiful

and

more lasting.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

OLDNESS


Warm

is the park

with trees quiet

in the late afternoon

reflective sentinels in rows.

I join them

looking down a line

to their past

and wonder

how green must be

their memories

even when shed

with no regret

for deeper still

the knowledge in their roots.

But not far off

the ocean

with a greater store

in every drop

of ebb and flow

that gives and takes

like life and death

itself.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

OLDNESS


Warm

is the park

with trees quiet

in the late afternoon

reflective sentinels in rows.

I join them

looking down a line

to their past

and wonder

how green must be

their memories

even when shed

with no regret

for deeper still

the knowledge in their roots.

But not far off

the ocean

with a greater store

in every drop

of ebb and flow

that gives and takes

like life and death

itself.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

DUSK


and the feathered shooting-stars

rocket past my window

Swifts

youngsters

teasing clouds

and tree-tops

like mischievous teens

stopping out late!

I love them

storing the memory

like a good red wine

against autumn

and the leaving time

until their return

and I

leave for Spain.

" Vaya

con Dios"

We whisper to each other

as we pass

" Vaya

con Dios"



Walk soft

Stay safe

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DUSK


and the feathered shooting-stars

rocket past my window

Swifts

youngsters

teasing clouds

and tree-tops

like mischievous teens

stopping out late!

I love them

storing the memory

like a good red wine

against autumn

and the leaving time

until their return

and I

leave for Spain.

" Vaya

con Dios"

We whisper to each other

as we pass

" Vaya

con Dios"



Walk soft

Stay safe

Samarkand.

'47

'47

Black '47

No

Not the AK


But

black '47

A year of The hunger

potato famine

Death

Terror

Exile

Ireland's soul

soaked in the blood

of her people

Evictions

The Work House

Coffin Ships

Land Clearance

and later

songs

when we had

to leave

our shores

unable to pay the rent

to absentee landlords

for the land that was ours

'47

A scar across the heart

amidst the smell

of a dying people

and a rotting crop

if crop

there was

for the crop of our masters

never left our backs

and this

is not forgotten

for even the stones

still lament

'47

'47.

Walk softly

and

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

'47

'47

Black '47

No

Not the AK


But

black '47

A year of The hunger

potato famine

Death

Terror

Exile

Ireland's soul

soaked in the blood

of her people

Evictions

The Work House

Coffin Ships

Land Clearance

and later

songs

when we had

to leave

our shores

unable to pay the rent

to absentee landlords

for the land that was ours

'47

A scar across the heart

amidst the smell

of a dying people

and a rotting crop

if crop

there was

for the crop of our masters

never left our backs

and this

is not forgotten

for even the stones

still lament

'47

'47.

Walk softly

and

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

A BRIDGE ?

Gulls a-glide

on a rising gale

give a stiff-winged turn

gaining height

and speed

without effort

unlike I

with age-related stiffness

in my limbs

must watch

and smile

as I hurry

towards shelter

as Gull circles

and shows me

a Way aloft:

a Bridge

from Way

to Way?

Go softly

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[OzAnnie]

Buen camino to you Samarkand
I love the way you spirit us up into the sky / your love of nature is heartfilling

 

[malingerer]

Buen camino to you Samarkand
I love the way you spirit us up into the sky / your love of nature is heartfilling

FOR THOSE WHO WAIT

..................................................

by Prison Gates

Hospital beds

Funeral Parlours

Compostelas?

I see your

tears

feel your pain

when silent phones

are louder

than church bells

in the saw edged hells

of loneliness

midst the thunder

and the rain

of distance

from

a loved one.

Bright the sky

but high the wind

and I

am as a leaf

gone from the tree

without you.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

FOR THOSE WHO WAIT

..................................................

by Prison Gates

Hospital beds

Funeral Parlours

Compostelas?

I see your

tears

feel your pain

when silent phones

are louder

than church bells

in the saw edged hells

of loneliness

midst the thunder

and the rain

of distance

from

a loved one.

Bright the sky

but high the wind

and I

am as a leaf

gone from the tree

without you.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

DARKNESS

Darkness

is but the backing

to the mirror

of light

and dawn awakes

no matter what

the night

to free the soul

and set the feet

aright

upon

The Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DARKNESS

Darkness

is but the backing

to the mirror

of light

and dawn awakes

no matter what

the night

to free the soul

and set the feet

aright

upon

The Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

MID SUMMER

And still the Swifts

of High July

summon dawns

to greet me

and fill the day

ere the Gulls of night

go homeward bound

to Sea

by the light

0f Slivered Moon

fore sleepy stars

awake

to glimmer

in the dark

as August

in her autumn clothes

awaits

to beckon south

My fliers

and begin again

the cycle.

Walk soft

say safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

MID SUMMER

And still the Swifts

of High July

summon dawns

to greet me

and fill the day

ere the Gulls of night

go homeward bound

to Sea

by the light

0f Slivered Moon

fore sleepy stars

awake

to glimmer

in the dark

as August

in her autumn clothes

awaits

to beckon south

My fliers

and begin again

the cycle.

Walk soft

say safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

AND GENTLY TURNS

THE PAGE

...............................



and lines of clouds

in pink of sunset

strut

flamingo style

across the evening sky



They

own the stage now

for Swifts

have left

and wild geese

yet

to come on

singing

their high

and wild

winter

wildsong


For summer still

is here

and the wheel

still

turns.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

AND GENTLY TURNS

THE PAGE

...............................



and lines of clouds

in pink of sunset

strut

flamingo style

across the evening sky



They

own the stage now

for Swifts

have left

and wild geese

yet

to come on

singing

their high

and wild

winter

wildsong


For summer still

is here

and the wheel

still

turns.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

AI

Do cars believe?

Do they pray?

This I wondered

as a church I passed

and there

in neat rows

like modern metal tethered mustangs

they sat silently

facing the place of worship.


No doubt their " masters"

prayed inside.


And I wondered

has AI

already

stolen

a march

and the EV's

in particular

are already linked

and communicating

with

their

SKYNET?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

AI

Do cars believe?

Do they pray?

This I wondered

as a church I passed

and there

in neat rows

like modern metal tethered mustangs

they sat silently

facing the place of worship.


No doubt their " masters"

prayed inside.


And I wondered

has AI

already

stolen

a march

and the EV's

in particular

are already linked

and communicating

with

their

SKYNET?

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE GOSTS

OF

"YET TO COME "

Do TOMORROWS have ghosts?

This I wondered

as I waited

for midnight

A meteor shower

had been foretold

and long the years

since I

have seen one

The night

cloudy

with few stars

but

I wait

and then

ONE

sears a path

across the sky

to explode far off

in a blaze of light

fore the clouds close in.

I am content

and sit

rocking gently

in my chair

then back to bed

to wait for a dawn

of wind

and rain

but this

I did not mind

whilst I prayed

to the Star-Keeper

lest I had seen

a wandering soul

seeking Yesterday

and Home.

Those forks

in the road

but instants

on

The Way.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE GOSTS

OF

"YET TO COME "

Do TOMORROWS have ghosts?

This I wondered

as I waited

for midnight

A meteor shower

had been foretold

and long the years

since I

have seen one

The night

cloudy

with few stars

but

I wait

and then

ONE

sears a path

across the sky

to explode far off

in a blaze of light

fore the clouds close in.

I am content

and sit

rocking gently

in my chair

then back to bed

to wait for a dawn

of wind

and rain

but this

I did not mind

whilst I prayed

to the Star-Keeper

lest I had seen

a wandering soul

seeking Yesterday

and Home.

Those forks

in the road

but instants

on

The Way.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

THE WAY AND THE WATER

I

am child

of Summer Gale

once played in Ocean Deep

'fore lured to land

and the gold of songs

too meaningless

to keep

for there

The Earth Folk

played at men

and in the blood of their own

did sleep.


So I returned

to wander far

twixt memories

beneath the waves

so steep

they blotted out

sun

moon

heart

and soul

yet I could only weep



But I

am child

of Summer Gale

sometimes frozen

that may be

and ice is as a cloak

to blind the false

from me

And walk I soft

across the worlds

of water

and the fin

building traveller's nests

of kelp

for the pilgrims following me

who left behind

the shattered shores

to seek

Eternity.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE WAY AND THE WATER

I

am child

of Summer Gale

once played in Ocean Deep

'fore lured to land

and the gold of songs

too meaningless

to keep

for there

The Earth Folk

played at men

and in the blood of their own

did sleep.


So I returned

to wander far

twixt memories

beneath the waves

so steep

they blotted out

sun

moon

heart

and soul

yet I could only weep



But I

am child

of Summer Gale

sometimes frozen

that may be

and ice is as a cloak

to blind the false

from me

And walk I soft

across the worlds

of water

and the fin

building traveller's nests

of kelp

for the pilgrims following me

who left behind

the shattered shores

to seek

Eternity.

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

THROUGH A WESTERN WINDOW .................

Through a Western Window

the Sunrise

does not fall

so I spend half a day

in yesterday

whilst waiting for the noon

Time's fulcrum


But I can use my camera

however

to capture the light

bathing the distance

as night withdraws


It is still summer

but the Swifts

have fled

South

and winter's arrivals

of wild geese

from out the north

a long way off


But Autumn soon

and change of clocks

Harvests

Fall

and leaves in new glory



So I walk

through a different window

my Television screen

to a wildlife programme

by RAY MEARS

about the Canadian boreal forest

and the elements whisper to me

" be not afraid:

whilst many are the paths

all

are one

and the Way. "


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THROUGH A WESTERN WINDOW .................

Through a Western Window

the Sunrise

does not fall

so I spend half a day

in yesterday

whilst waiting for the noon

Time's fulcrum


But I can use my camera

however

to capture the light

bathing the distance

as night withdraws


It is still summer

but the Swifts

have fled

South

and winter's arrivals

of wild geese

from out the north

a long way off


But Autumn soon

and change of clocks

Harvests

Fall

and leaves in new glory



So I walk

through a different window

my Television screen

to a wildlife programme

by RAY MEARS

about the Canadian boreal forest

and the elements whisper to me

" be not afraid:

whilst many are the paths

all

are one

and the Way. "


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

A DOOR BETWEEN THE TIMES

I see a dragon face

in the dying green

of yester~trees

shedding their leaves

to leave briefly

a space

between the times

where slip I through

on Camino

alone

as Love

remains my lifeline

to This Now

and keeps me mortal

for a while


I am loath to leave

this umbilical cord

as my heart prepares

that final stage

of another

Way.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

A DOOR BETWEEN THE TIMES

I see a dragon face

in the dying green

of yester~trees

shedding their leaves

to leave briefly

a space

between the times

where slip I through

on Camino

alone

as Love

remains my lifeline

to This Now

and keeps me mortal

for a while


I am loath to leave

this umbilical cord

as my heart prepares

that final stage

of another

Way.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

THE BUTTERFLY

THE MOTH

AND

THE MORNING GULL


My winged mentors

from Past

Present

and

Future


Butterfly

is a gift

from

Maori

and the land

of the Long White Cloud


She is

my spirit animal

teller of tales

bringing

Knowledge

Wisdom

from wherever she visits


Moth

is the tiny

Guardian of the Night

a silent

but watchful sentry

who consults

with my Dream Catcher

to ease the Dawn


For this

is the time

of Morning Gull

who fears not storm

or winded rain

to bring the salt

with which to flavour Day

and sustain me

as I slip again

between the Times

and Way.


Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[plonkydonkey]

I am loath to leave

this umbilical cord

as my heart prepares

that final stage

of another

Way.

Vaya con Dios

Samarkand.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and writings.

 

[malingerer]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and writings.

TETHERING THE SUN

This I did

in the last

of the great cities

of my people

and whilst the hitching post itself

was a carved stone

the Tether

was a shadow

soon blotted out

by the power

of the strangers


So I fled

to the mountains

and listened

to Storm

Wind

Fire

and Quake


for these are the voices

of The High Ones

in High Places


I came back

and by secret ways

came to a trail

which I followed

to the sea

and learned a great truth

that The Sun

leaves no shadow

on the ocean


So I returned

to the starting point

again

and again

over times

to learn another Truth


The Way

is created

and re-created

by those who walk it.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

TETHERING THE SUN

This I did

in the last

of the great cities

of my people

and whilst the hitching post itself

was a carved stone

the Tether

was a shadow

soon blotted out

by the power

of the strangers


So I fled

to the mountains

and listened

to Storm

Wind

Fire

and Quake


for these are the voices

of The High Ones

in High Places


I came back

and by secret ways

came to a trail

which I followed

to the sea

and learned a great truth

that The Sun

leaves no shadow

on the ocean


So I returned

to the starting point

again

and again

over times

to learn another Truth


The Way

is created

and re-created

by those who walk it.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

THE ROCKING CHAIR

An empty chair

fills

my room

and I wonder

who

once sat there


I bought the chair

immediately I saw it

in a charity shop

and

go her home


She was metal

of simplistic design

a glider

but still

a rocker


And once

a lady

had sat there

whispering wisdom


And now

I sit there

when the sky

is star bright

looking for

the ancient Way

between the stars


But first

I need my love

to sit

in that chair

and share love with me

for that

is the key

to all

the doors.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE ROCKING CHAIR

An empty chair

fills

my room

and I wonder

who

once sat there


I bought the chair

immediately I saw it

in a charity shop

and

go her home


She was metal

of simplistic design

a glider

but still

a rocker


And once

a lady

had sat there

whispering wisdom


And now

I sit there

when the sky

is star bright

looking for

the ancient Way

between the stars


But first

I need my love

to sit

in that chair

and share love with me

for that

is the key

to all

the doors.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

STONE

BONE

AND FIRE


aid me

and

are to hand

for as of yet

I have not pillaged

The Earth

and even cities

I have built of stone

using stone


Fire cleanses

and brings new grass

and new game

which I take

with weapons

of stone and bone

but always

with respect

for my Creator

and Provider

Earth


Light from Sun

as yet

to be developed

with understanding

and that from

Moon

soon to be our stepping stone

to The Red One

and beyond


We have gained knowledge

and lost respect


As life forms

leave us

and The Way

of Stone

Bone

and Fire

is consigned

to museums


Perhaps

we too will join them

and The Way

of foot and prayer

will shroud

in Mist

as our Creations

demand their place

and even our memories

will lurk in boxes.

Walk soft

and be not afraid

of footprints

for they will hold the stories

for those

who will come to Seek them.

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

STONE

BONE

AND FIRE


aid me

and

are to hand

for as of yet

I have not pillaged

The Earth

and even cities

I have built of stone

using stone


Fire cleanses

and brings new grass

and new game

which I take

with weapons

of stone and bone

but always

with respect

for my Creator

and Provider

Earth


Light from Sun

as yet

to be developed

with understanding

and that from

Moon

soon to be our stepping stone

to The Red One

and beyond


We have gained knowledge

and lost respect


As life forms

leave us

and The Way

of Stone

Bone

and Fire

is consigned

to museums


Perhaps

we too will join them

and The Way

of foot and prayer

will shroud

in Mist

as our Creations

demand their place

and even our memories

will lurk in boxes.

Walk soft

and be not afraid

of footprints

for they will hold the stories

for those

who will come to Seek them.

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand.

IVAR : unable to find section so please take note. I wish to cancel my regular donation. I now find it "unnecessary "

Samarkand

 

[malingerer]

IVAR : unable to find section so please take note. I wish to cancel my regular donation. I now find it "unnecessary "

Samarkand

PRIVATE WAYS

An old man

and his dog

slowly

softly

circle the park

occasionally

they look

at each other

checking

the other

is still there



Once

the other

had been the love

of his life

now passed on


He carries no credencial

or Compostela


His Santiago

is the park gate

where he will exit

and go home


The dog will nap

and he will sit

in his favourite chair

watching his world

go by


No stream of pilgrims

block his view

but memories

and their shadows

companions make


as that mug of tea

(one of two)

will be his celebration

of a Private Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

PRIVATE WAYS

An old man

and his dog

slowly

softly

circle the park

occasionally

they look

at each other

checking

the other

is still there



Once

the other

had been the love

of his life

now passed on


He carries no credencial

or Compostela


His Santiago

is the park gate

where he will exit

and go home


The dog will nap

and he will sit

in his favourite chair

watching his world

go by


No stream of pilgrims

block his view

but memories

and their shadows

companions make


as that mug of tea

(one of two)

will be his celebration

of a Private Way.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

LOST VOICES

Fed up

with listening to a mewling cat

over a number of days

I tracked it

for it sounded lost

and homeless


It was a young woman

in a wheelchair.


My heart froze.

Perhaps she was a resident

of one of

the many homes

in the area


Perhaps this voice

was the only one she had

calling out

perhaps

to a family she once had


Perhaps she once had a cat

something to hold and love

now taken away


And my heart constricted

remembering with pain

the many situations

in which I had worked

unable to restore

lost voices

lost contacts

lost love.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

LOST VOICES

Fed up

with listening to a mewling cat

over a number of days

I tracked it

for it sounded lost

and homeless


It was a young woman

in a wheelchair.


My heart froze.

Perhaps she was a resident

of one of

the many homes

in the area


Perhaps this voice

was the only one she had

calling out

perhaps

to a family she once had


Perhaps she once had a cat

something to hold and love

now taken away


And my heart constricted

remembering with pain

the many situations

in which I had worked

unable to restore

lost voices

lost contacts

lost love.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

DUSK

Loved I

the pre-dawn dark

but growing older

I find myself more

as one

with the pre-dusk sun

for

whilst others sleep

I

will travel

closing the door of day

gently

behind

to go a-seeking

for the path

that led me

from my distant star

to this

a lonely Eden

until

the door reopens

in the pre-dawn dark

and self with Self

re-joins.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DUSK

Loved I

the pre-dawn dark

but growing older

I find myself more

as one

with the pre-dusk sun

for

whilst others sleep

I

will travel

closing the door of day

gently

behind

to go a-seeking

for the path

that led me

from my distant star

to this

a lonely Eden

until

the door reopens

in the pre-dawn dark

and self with Self

re-joins.


Samarkand.

BEADS

Wars

strung out

like unholy beads

on chains of iron

placing a curse

on those

who tell them

Dipped in blood

like Satanic water

tempered only

by the belief

hidden

in a child's smile

and love

a sword wielded

by a Mother.

Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE ELDERS I NEVER KNEW

John

my name

also that of an uncle

for whom I am called

who died in the trenches

10 days

before Armistice

He was 19

John Josiah I am

as was my father

and his father

A grandfather

I would never know

Policeman he was

till beaten savagely on his rounds

and taken to hospital

Whilst recovering

he was told

the country was now at war

so he left hospital

to join the army

and die in the trenches

They are my elders

men of courage and honour

and I can sense them

in my hours of need

calling to me

in that old fashioned way

"Stand firm and honour your blood"

so I remember them

when I light my candles

and whisper their names.

Vaya

con

Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE ELDERS I NEVER KNEW

John

my name

also that of an uncle

for whom I am called

who died in the trenches

10 days

before Armistice

He was 19

John Josiah I am

as was my father

and his father

A grandfather

I would never know

Policeman he was

till beaten savagely on his rounds

and taken to hospital

Whilst recovering

he was told

the country was now at war

so he left hospital

to join the army

and die in the trenches

They are my elders

men of courage and honour

and I can sense them

in my hours of need

calling to me

in that old fashioned way

"Stand firm and honour your blood"

so I remember them

when I light my candles

and whisper their names.

Vaya

con

Dios.

Samarkand.

AND AGAIN

THE KINDNESS

OF STRANGERS


I have an incurable balance disorder

therefore

I fall

and just two days ago

I had a bad one

which left me lying

in the middle of a road

unable to move

Eventually

I crawled

wriggled

squirmed

back to the pavement

and got into

a sitting position

with my back to the wall

and waited

I was so close to home.


Eventually

a car came

and driver got out

but unable to manage on her own

calmly flagged down another car

and elderly driver got out

Between the two of them

they got me to my feet

and literally inched me

over the road

I was in a lot of pain

and could only manage

a few steps

at a time

but I arrived at the entrance

to my block

where lady number two

was taking charge

and who phoned her son in law

who appeared within minutes

Two neighbours from next block

joined in

and I was manhandled

up the two flights of stairs ( no lift )

to my flat

deposited in my chair

food supplies checked

plus my stocks of paracetamol and pain killer gel

and then they left.

They were brilliant

genuine

I changed my clothes

medicated

had coffee

and went to bed

Got up later for a repeat performance

and appraised the situation

now for sure the days were gone

of me and my pacer poles

I need a walker/wheelchair

to keep my independence

so I lit candles

in my Camino corner

to give thanks

for the kindness of strangers

who have opened

new doors for me

and let me see new horizons

which makes me realize

how rich I am

so very rich

because

of the kindness

of strangers.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

 

[malingerer]

AND AGAIN

THE KINDNESS

OF STRANGERS


I have an incurable balance disorder

therefore

I fall

and just two days ago

I had a bad one

which left me lying

in the middle of a road

unable to move

Eventually

I crawled

wriggled

squirmed

back to the pavement

and got into

a sitting position

with my back to the wall

and waited

I was so close to home.


Eventually

a car came

and driver got out

but unable to manage on her own

calmly flagged down another car

and elderly driver got out

Between the two of them

they got me to my feet

and literally inched me

over the road

I was in a lot of pain

and could only manage

a few steps

at a time

but I arrived at the entrance

to my block

where lady number two

was taking charge

and who phoned her son in law

who appeared within minutes

Two neighbours from next block

joined in

and I was manhandled

up the two flights of stairs ( no lift )

to my flat

deposited in my chair

food supplies checked

plus my stocks of paracetamol and pain killer gel

and then they left.

They were brilliant

genuine

I changed my clothes

medicated

had coffee

and went to bed

Got up later for a repeat performance

and appraised the situation

now for sure the days were gone

of me and my pacer poles

I need a walker/wheelchair

to keep my independence

so I lit candles

in my Camino corner

to give thanks

for the kindness of strangers

who have opened

new doors for me

and let me see new horizons

which makes me realize

how rich I am

so very rich

because

of the kindness

of strangers.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios

As Selves like Shadows slip

into the sunset

I follow

sometimes pausing

when a Memory

overtakes me

as it to pass the baton

on a journey without ending

to that Eden

of the Soul.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

As Selves like Shadows slip

into the sunset

I follow

sometimes pausing

when a Memory

overtakes me

as it to pass the baton

on a journey without ending

to that Eden

of the Soul.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

SILENCE

5.30am

I sit wrapped in the pre-dawn dark

counting stars

ORION

the great seeker

is up there:

my winter favourite.


The night is still

and quiet

except

for the incessant chattering

in my brain

when thoughts

gather like unruly monkeys

for me to dispel

with a voiceless chant

of

Nam Myoh Renge Kyoh

that I may bask a little longer

in a peace

of which a little

I try to send

to The Holy Land

that at least

one child

may feel

a welcome.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

SILENCE

5.30am

I sit wrapped in the pre-dawn dark

counting stars

ORION

the great seeker

is up there:

my winter favourite.


The night is still

and quiet

except

for the incessant chattering

in my brain

when thoughts

gather like unruly monkeys

for me to dispel

with a voiceless chant

of

Nam Myoh Renge Kyoh

that I may bask a little longer

in a peace

of which a little

I try to send

to The Holy Land

that at least

one child

may feel

a welcome.



Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios

Samarkand.

HOPE

A full but pallid moon

struggles

through

the freezing fog

at trees now bare

except

for a few " last-stand " leaves

hanging grimly.


It is the end of November

and tomorrow

comes December.

Christmas time

to celebrate the birth

of a child.


I would

that The Peoples of The Book

could acknowledge this

and lay aside the gun

to watch

that fragile flower Peace

begin

it's cruel journey

to the sun.


Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE GOLDEN LEAF

.................................... is the last

to hang

on a silver birch

defying

Winter' s claws

that rake me

with

a razor wind

to ache my fingers.


I hope it sees

the Solstice

fore letting go

and bequeaths

it's fighting spirit

to the new ones

waiting

as I do

for the year

to turn

when I begin to watch

for new buds

and early Swifts

My Joy Bringers

midst

the clouds.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

THE GOLDEN LEAF

.................................... is the last

to hang

on a silver birch

defying

Winter' s claws

that rake me

with

a razor wind

to ache my fingers.


I hope it sees

the Solstice

fore letting go

and bequeaths

it's fighting spirit

to the new ones

waiting

as I do

for the year

to turn

when I begin to watch

for new buds

and early Swifts

My Joy Bringers

midst

the clouds.


Walk soft

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND THEIR LOVED ONES. STAY SAFE IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES AND
AS EVER

VAYA CON DIOS.

SAMARKAND.

 

[malingerer]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND THEIR LOVED ONES. STAY SAFE IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES AND
AS EVER

VAYA CON DIOS.

SAMARKAND.

LIFE CLOCKS TICKING

Brazen

the evergreens

flaunt their leaves

in the sun

of winter sunrise

The birch

subdued

waits

Magpies chatter

from tree to tree

as furtively

small birds flit

An Elder

with small dog

on its tiny legs

labours along

behind

I

high up in my flat

watch the many dials

of life's clocks ticking

as a young mother

with child in pram

walks tall

for a new-born

is

Forever.

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

LIFE CLOCKS TICKING

Brazen

the evergreens

flaunt their leaves

in the sun

of winter sunrise

The birch

subdued

waits

Magpies chatter

from tree to tree

as furtively

small birds flit

An Elder

with small dog

on its tiny legs

labours along

behind

I

high up in my flat

watch the many dials

of life's clocks ticking

as a young mother

with child in pram

walks tall

for a new-born

is

Forever.

Stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

PANTO ?

I am a child

of the children

of Dame

once locked behind

the gates of Belief

till they grew

and filled a valley

then penned

by the dam wall

of perception

till the laughter

of the young

and ever young

of heart

burst

at Panto

and released all

my childhood selves

to cry

laugh

shout

hiss

and weep

as we united

in a common language

and the lady

in the wind

whispered

" I am Dame

and until we meet again

Buen Camino ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

PANTO ?

I am a child

of the children

of Dame

once locked behind

the gates of Belief

till they grew

and filled a valley

then penned

by the dam wall

of perception

till the laughter

of the young

and ever young

of heart

burst

at Panto

and released all

my childhood selves

to cry

laugh

shout

hiss

and weep

as we united

in a common language

and the lady

in the wind

whispered

" I am Dame

and until we meet again

Buen Camino ! "

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya con Dios.

Samarkand.

I'M STILL DANCING

This,

I said to myself

at 85

pushing my walker

along the pavement

on a cold

but clear

winter morning

dreaming

of a journey

yet to come

shipboard

in Alaskan waters

circled by bergs

and birds

and seals hauling out

and somewhere The Bear

watching me

as I felt the the blood-rush

of my Ancestors

with the swinging axe

gone

in the mists of change

as I have

when

once

proud Pilgrim

alone

in my mountains

not knowing

one fall too many

would finish my walking

and consign me

to this

my walker


But

here

in my heart

I'm

still dancing.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

I'M STILL DANCING

This,

I said to myself

at 85

pushing my walker

along the pavement

on a cold

but clear

winter morning

dreaming

of a journey

yet to come

shipboard

in Alaskan waters

circled by bergs

and birds

and seals hauling out

and somewhere The Bear

watching me

as I felt the the blood-rush

of my Ancestors

with the swinging axe

gone

in the mists of change

as I have

when

once

proud Pilgrim

alone

in my mountains

not knowing

one fall too many

would finish my walking

and consign me

to this

my walker


But

here

in my heart

I'm

still dancing.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

Samarkand.

NOISES FROM A HOSPITAL BED



Staff

chattering

Fridge

humming

Rain outside

pattering

T.V

BUST



Bloody great wall clock

silent

but ticking sotto voce

to my heart beat


I'm in the eye hospital

with a serious condition

a Tear in the right eye

and Bleb

both leaking

needing surgery


Mind you

I am

in

a single room

no chores to do

looked after

and well fed

My anti-bacs

are hourly

from 6am

till 10 pm


And I watch

that silent clock

making its way

along my lifeline

like one of Time's

own bloodsuckers

always forward

never back

except at memories' crossroads

and the yesterdays of sleep.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

 

[OzAnnie]

alone

in my mountains
not knowing
one fall too many
would finish my walking
and consign me
to this my walker

Take care . None of us want to give up ..

 

[TorontoGMan]

Wow! I just found this post again!! Incredible work here! Amazing poems here, especially about the Swifts!
I really love this post!! Maybe I try a poem or two!!

 

[PilgrimPillar]

My contribution with some words striking a strong chord within me….

Start with the first step…..

And moderators please…..again…link is no selfpromotion….just altruistic values honoured and shared….

 

[malingerer]

DATES TIMES NUMBERS AI

What need of man

to wind the clock

or change the battery

AI

is here

and of itself

has been super ceded

BI

is casting its dark net

to filter the sun

and allow only

IT'S

signals

to penetrate

and control


So what of living flesh

mind

spirit

and empty churches?


Havens for another time?

wellsprings of poetry

and another challenge?



Dare we go back

into the deeps

and re- evolve?


Life is not hi-tech

which has forgotten its place

as helper

until we let it

become master


Let man

in his arrogance

remember and beware

when next we set out

to explore

with wonder.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

DATES TIMES NUMBERS AI

What need of man

to wind the clock

or change the battery

AI

is here

and of itself

has been super ceded

BI

is casting its dark net

to filter the sun

and allow only

IT'S

signals

to penetrate

and control


So what of living flesh

mind

spirit

and empty churches?


Havens for another time?

wellsprings of poetry

and another challenge?



Dare we go back

into the deeps

and re- evolve?


Life is not hi-tech

which has forgotten its place

as helper

until we let it

become master


Let man

in his arrogance

remember and beware

when next we set out

to explore

with wonder.


Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

GOING LEFT


" By the left

quick march "

These were the orders

of a yesteryear


Now

with an incurable

balance problem

left hand side

I fall badly

to the left


No more marching

or walking

my beloved Camino

but

where there is a will?

I have a rollator

around which

plots

are hatching



I sit here

in Bristol Eye Hospital

awaiting a pre-op discussion

My right eye needs surgery

it is leaking.

Are there all-terrain walkers

with big wheels

and high enough

for my dodgy spine?

A little at a time?


My left eye is now my master eye

and my Guardian Angel

waits

at RONCESVALLES

where I can whisper to the wind

" I am back

and the wind will whisper

you never leave"


Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

since writing this

I have been discharged

whilst further consultation takes place.


My right eye is improving

but still leaks

and I suspect surgery

is going to be the final answer.

Delicate

but necessary.

 

[malingerer]

GOING LEFT


" By the left

quick march "

These were the orders

of a yesteryear


Now

with an incurable

balance problem

left hand side

I fall badly

to the left


No more marching

or walking

my beloved Camino

but

where there is a will?

I have a rollator

around which

plots

are hatching



I sit here

in Bristol Eye Hospital

awaiting a pre-op discussion

My right eye needs surgery

it is leaking.

Are there all-terrain walkers

with big wheels

and high enough

for my dodgy spine?

A little at a time?


My left eye is now my master eye

and my Guardian Angel

waits

at RONCESVALLES

where I can whisper to the wind

" I am back

and the wind will whisper

you never leave"


Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios.

since writing this

I have been discharged

whilst further consultation takes place.


My right eye is improving

but still leaks

and I suspect surgery

is going to be the final answer.

Delicate

but necessary.

LEAP YEARS


29th February

an odd looking date

and four years till the next time!

I shall be 90

God willing

and I wonder what changes

I will have seen.

I do not dwell

on this

but let the child in me

remember

a small child holding

it's mother's hand

whilst wriggling it's toes

in good red

Spanish earth

leaving footprints

on the Camino Soul

that can never

ever

be eradicated.

Walk soft

talk softer

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

LEAP YEARS


29th February

an odd looking date

and four years till the next time!

I shall be 90

God willing

and I wonder what changes

I will have seen.

I do not dwell

on this

but let the child in me

remember

a small child holding

it's mother's hand

whilst wriggling it's toes

in good red

Spanish earth

leaving footprints

on the Camino Soul

that can never

ever

be eradicated.

Walk soft

talk softer

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios


Samarkand.

YEARNING

I saw an adventure

in my soul

the touch of which

might make me

whole

until I walked

on Camino

and met

the Seamstress

who wove for me

a Robe

of Dreams

that I may wear

for ever

for ever

is in footsteps

imprinted

on The Way

but yet

remain unseen

to eye

but sparkle

in

The Dream.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand

 

[OzAnnie]

YEARNING

I saw an adventure

in my soul

the touch of which

might make me

whole

until I walked

on Camino

and met

the Seamstress

who wove for me

a Robe

of Dreams

that I may wear

for ever

for ever

is in footsteps

imprinted

on The Way

but yet

remain unseen

to eye

but sparkle

in

The Dream.

Walk soft

stay safe

and

as ever

Vaya

con Dios.


Samarkand

This one somes it up perfectly .

 

[malingerer]

This one somes it up perfectly .

KATHLEEN

Now

a named storm

but once

a song

my mother sang

when I was very small

and very ill


It is a song of exile

when the heart

is far

from its shore

and loud the waves

crash

as the gap widens


But my song

is

as ever

a bridge

between this now

and the days

of childhood love

never broken.

Walk soft

stay safe


and

as ever

Vaya

Con Dios.

Samarkand

 

[OzAnnie]

But my song

is

as ever

a bridge

between this now

and the days

of childhood love

never broken.

So beautiful -
Keep safe & well Samarkand
Buen camino

 

[malingerer]

So beautiful -
Keep safe & well Samarkand
Buen camino

Nine Sleeps

I whisper to myself

and then

the day of the op

on my eye


I hope for success

and afterwards

with due care

and aftercare

I can get

a special Compostela

" FIT TO FLY "

and my heart

will find my boots

and onward go

a-Camino.


Walk soft

stay safe

and as ever

Vaya

con Dios



Samarkand
-