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8.4.20

WALKING WITH CHILDREN


This virus lockdown has made us relish our one permitted walk each day, and given us time to dawdle – to stand and stare.
Because I am keeping a two-metre distance from my little granddaughter, she walks in front and sets the pace. She stops time and again to admire a pretty stone, a bug on a leaf, a strange door-knocker, crayoned rainbows in a multitude of windows – things we would miss if we were hurrying. So Jeff Arnold’s photo of a rainbow is most appropriate.

Here’s a little poem.

Walking with Children

Rainbows spread their ephemeral beauty
Overhead, or further away over
Yonder, the fabled pots of
Gold at their damp
Bases always just out of reach.
Instead, children enjoy their
Vibrant colours simply because.



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THANKS as ever to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers. After you've left a (kind) comment on my blog, you can read other writers' interpretations of this image by following the frog link from her blog   https://rochellewisoff.com/

I trust you are all keeping safe and well, and finding refuge from boredom in reading and writing. See you next week, DV.

30 comments:

  1. Oh, that was fab, Lizy. Brought a lump to my throat.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  2. Children don't have to mind that the pot of gold is unattainable. They can still get to enjoy the fantasy

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    Replies
    1. They can indeed. On another walk she was spreading fairy dust everywhere!

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  3. We have to cling to any little thing that can bring us a slice of joy and hope.

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  4. Having them close is a blessing that can sustain. Such a heartfelt story and beautiful poem.

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  5. It certainly is making us appreciate things anew.

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    Replies
    1. By forcibly slowing the pace of our lives.

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  6. Stay well, stay safe! Little things make all the difference, these days. Am waving at you from New York City ...

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    Replies
    1. Stay safe yourself, Ma'am, a city is a dangerous place to live!

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  7. Nothing like children to make us stop and smell the roses. Sweet, Liz.

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    Replies
    1. Dogs have the same effect, although their tastes are less refined!

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    2. This is true...they are attracted to rather... um... other scents!

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  8. Dear Liz,

    I once heard that children learn to dance before they learn there's anything that isn't music. Lovely poem.

    Shalom and stay safe,

    Rochelle

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    Replies
    1. That's a lovely thought about children dancing.

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  9. I love the poem and the first part about your granddaughter. I know it must be difficult to stay two-metres away, but it’s so nice you can take a walk with her each day. This is beautiful, “Instead, children enjoy … simply because” and the “things we would miss if we were hurrying.” Lots to think about these days. Stay safe!

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  10. Lovely. Made me remember so many outings with my own little ones, as well as my grands when they were available. Little heads bobbing up and down, hair flying, jackets blowing open, wet grass a mud a delightful playground. Those were the days----and they WILL return!

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    Replies
    1. They will. My daughter posted photos today of Millie climbing a tree.

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  11. what a lovely piece that goes straight to the heart. well done.

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  12. As the pace of life slows, we have more time to reflect on things around us.

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    Replies
    1. There is also much less background noise, which leaves us free to hear birdsong.

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  13. Rainbows never lose their magic, do they?

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