I usually walk somewhere nearby every day, often to the library just to have a destination. There are parks nearby and a botanic garden. What do I see? Sidewalks, trees, ponds, residential buildings, stores, town offices, game fields, skies, grass, clouds, birds of all sizes and there are even people, many of whom are familiar. I should not take this gift for granted.
I miss most of what there’s to see,
most everything there is that’s real,
most every thought that comes my way.
Forgive me for that every day.
Should my walks lead me past you
while daily wandering as I do,
forgive me most of all for that.
You smile. I know. I’m smiling back.
Linked to dVerse Poetics. Sarah is hosting with the theme of the journeys we routinely take. Mine would be simple walks. I am also linking this to Debbie Roth’s Forgiving Fridays since I need to learn to forgive myself for missing almost all of it.
Photos: “Evening Panorama”, above, and “Sun in Autumn”, below. I didn’t miss these.
beautifully said and photographed, Frank – tsk
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Thank you, Tony!
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We miss so much, but we should never miss a smile. Lovely as ever, Frank.
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Smiles should not be missed. Thank you, Sarah!
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Love the way a smiling face makes the difference, maybe it will also make you notice the other things you forget to notice.
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It does. Thank you, Bjorn!
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Being aware and appreciating our surroundings adds a new joy to a daily walk, enjoy x
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It adds joy to any walk. Thank you, Karen!
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,nothing like a walk to ponder
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That’s true. Thank you!
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Aww a sweet poem with a smart message to be aware of what’s around us and not take it for granted. Lovely, Frank.
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Thank you, Jade!
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I love it when I ride somewhere familiar, and suddenly I notice a new building, or a burned out one, or a new off ramp, or trees cut down. We really use tunnel vision to ease the tedium of a daily commute.
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The unexpected change brings me out of my lack of attention. Thank you, Glenn!
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This is wonderful, Frank, and do true. I just had the experience of not seeing something until I looked in a picture I took while in the place.
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There are many things in the photos I take that I didn’t realize were there when I took the photo. Sometimes the photo is even better than my memory of the event. Thank you, Dan!
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Often guilty as charged!
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Me, too. Thank you, Peter!
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Indeed the walks, the sights, the people …life itself, so precious not taken for granted. You bring this reminder beautifully Frank.
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I realize that I take too much for granted. Thank you, Pragalbha!
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I too feel Frank, that there is always so much more to appreciate than I keep the capacity for. There is so much conditioning for me to work through.
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Your poem is wonderful Frank. It is so easy to just get in the zone and not look round. I used to be like that when I was out running. For the last 3 months Ive made a point of keeping my eyes open and take at least 5 photos on my iPhone every week. I post them on my site every Saturday.
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Taking photos with my phone is a method I use as well to pay attention (and also get photographs for this blog). Thank you, Christine!
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How easily we fall into routine and miss the world around us. That is one gift that illness has given me – I move so slow that I notice much more than I ever did.
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May you be cured of your illness and still notice more. Best wishes and thank you, V.J.!
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Thanks Frank.
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the smile given and received the nicest part of the journey
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It is the most memorable part. Thank you, Dorianna!
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I so like your tagline!
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I am glad you like it. Thank you, Rachel!
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How lovely to live in a town where you know people and recognise them as you walk around. I live in the city and most people I see when out and about are strangers.
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There are strangers in the botanic garden which attracts people from all over, but there are also many familiar faces. Thank you, Robbie!
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should never judge a serious walker in my opinion, they are seeing that which we cannot imagine is important not just for the eye but for all the senses. i like that you walk to somewhere just as a destination. the journey being more important
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It is mainly for the journey, not even for exercise. Thank you, Gina!
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I’m smiling back , Frank!
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Smiling is best. I’ve heard it is one of the ways to keep one’s mind healthy even if one doesn’t feel like smiling. Thank you, Kim!
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nice work Frank, and pictures are great too
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Thank you, Ben!
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Even routine can offer up surprises, the familiar seeming to be new because one’s mind is open to that moment.
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Good point. There is always something new if one is open to seeing it. Thank you!
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To forgive all you don’t see…quite a humble heart indeed. Sweet description of your daily walk.
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I really like this quiet celebration of the daily walk and the familiar sights
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Thanks for the gentle reminder, Frank. Gorgeous photo of fall tree!
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What beautiful reflections and poem, Frank! I love your willingness to forgive. My spiritual mentor John-Roger says that the willingness to do gives the ability to do. You have such a good reminder here to not take anything for granted – to really appreciate the small, simple things around us that are so great. Thank you for this contribution to #ForgivingFridays! I’ll post this tomorrow.
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I agree. Willingness does give us the ability. Thank you, Debbie!
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I really love the reflective feel of this Frank. A lovely read😊
Pat
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Thank you, Pat!
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SMiLes Frank The
Sunshine In Trees
oF LiFE Is
A Valuable
Light to See
And Capture
Giving And
Sharing
’tis
Sunshine
iN LiVinG Trees too..:)
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Yes. The sunshine in those living trees, too. Thank you, Fred!
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Always
Great
Photos
You Share..:)
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Thank you, Fred!
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🙂
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This poem greets me with a warm smile, and yes, I’m smiling back.
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Thank you, Barry!
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