When the workmen dug beside the road a year ago or more

the digger damaged branches on the tree that has lived far longer

than I have been alive. But over the winter, I had forgotten this

even though I commune with her daily while at my kitchen sink

~~~~

But now the sun is warming and new life trims the bare

with leaves of lace, unspoiled, green and dewy fresh,

and the gash in her new season dress is once again—obvious

The branches that are broken, naked and unmoving, are

almost like a limp. While otherwise tall and graceful

she waves at me when the wind passes through

~~~~

Do you walk with a limp like this old sister fair?

Do you sometimes see the glaring wound more than

the beauty of the whole? Wish it were gone, will it away

and discover this might be an impossible task?

~~~~

Some of us walk with an unseen limp, a part of who we are

at times it is more obvious, but regularly

it reminds us to stride more measured,

pacing ourselves for the road ahead, not just a single event

~~~~

And this, while irritating, can invite us to notice

things that we would have otherwise rushed past

Worthwhile, kind, and beautiful things

there to be gathered like colorful blooms  

waiting beside the road  

~~~~

And while we may resist this journey

the best way forward is one of acceptance

embracing all the parts of who we are

moving forward as a whole

—cherishing the whole—

even with a limp

~~~~

—-This is the way to live with peace. And quite often our limp becomes a valuable part of who we are. If your limp bothers you today, embrace it and let it teach you to walk differently. It may not always be with you, but you will be different because of what you have learned.

©Heather Pound 2021