I was reflecting on an incident that occurred in 1996 – my first Trans Canada walk. I have it now in the form of a poem.
SPEAKING TO THE DAY
At a tiny hamlet, Echo Bay
As I ambled along the way
Out of a shallow ditch
Emerged a man, not rich
Appearing a trite unkempt
Tarnished teeth, but of good intent
He wanted to share a fine message
Something I had come to cherish
The gist is what he had to say
“When I wake up I speak to the day
Like a person I know
It gives me energy to go
‘Day! Whatever you have for me
I beg for the strength to be
In the arms of your adventure
And anything you may render
Help me to go through the hours
When moments are up or moments are dour
I’m assured of some surprises
Of adventure from east/west horizons
I learn, I laugh, I cry, I love
Things come at me I’d never think of
Now that it’s approaching night
With sun moving out of my sight
I say, Day, I thank you so
Tomorrow comes fast, not slow.’”
With those few eloquent words
My reaching ears had heard
A man who then retreated to the ditch
Enveloped by a sunray’s kiss
Source: https://www.thewalkingmonk.net/post/speaking-to-the-day
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