This end

we walked a long way
the day warm and bright
each a backpack laden
with snacks, hotwheels cars
a minecraft sword (just incase)
& a half deck of cards
we had set out at noon
leaving crisp white linen
to dance in the breeze
i love how homely it feels
seeing laundry on the line
the boy walks with purpose
leading the two of us
along the worn stony path
we sing made up songs
about bees and flowers
the magnolia tree
drops its blooms
the size of saucers
they land with a thump
and stay perfectly intact
they pick one up to inspect
nature explorers reaching
yes, this one goes in the pack
she’ll save that one for papa
the sea glistens and sighs
the last high tide of the year
we’ll swim out to pono rock
and leap back into the surf
awhile - content with this end
the slow trek home now
limbs dragging and heavy
shadows looming high now
and the glade over the path
offers a cool reprieve
i think of how good the linen
will feel on my skin tonight
rest for tomorrow’s adventure
another trip around the sun.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"nature explorers reaching
yes, this one goes in the pack
she’ll save that one for papa".....Remembering Lani, yes.
Welcome Back To WC My Ohana!! So great to read you again! I see and feel your love for your children emanating from every word of this touching poem. So personal, heartfelt and real. You take us along with you, Kalani and Skipper, on one of your magical walks into the natural world-everything symbolic-and you are a part of it all in your connection. Beautiful expression, language, imagery, metaphor, alliteration. The embodiment of a Mother's love and sacrifice for her children. Your lovely description, 'crisp
white linen to dance in the breeze", is a stellar cleansing metaphor for the new beginnings of the New Year. Wishing you miracles in 2021 my ohana. xoxoxo

[Island Hippy]

Oh your words make my heart smile my ohana! Many Mahalo nui! We walk this path often but isn’t it lovely how little people find adventure new in the same places. I’ve learned to slow down and really be in the moments with them I think it’s made me a better mom. I love that you got the ‘crisp white linen’ metaphor though we are new every morning the ticking over of years end is a powerful beginning place. Again so much aloha for you(r) time, words, aloha. x

[emmajoy]

' .. shadows looming high now ~ and the glade over the path ~ offers a cool reprieve ~ i think of how good the linen ~ will feel on my skin tonight ~ rest for tomorrow’s adventure + another trip around the sun. '

Your words are amazingly descriptive and yet ~ as fragile as a moment. Hence i can only now leave a review. Dear friend, this poem, start to finish, remind me ( and others, of course ) of what a beautiful and skilful poet you were.. and surely must be even now. If time is ever yours for Self. So hope your Kalani and Skipper share their mummy's beautiful talent.. 'know it won't be for the want of trying. Miss you, always.

[barleygirl]

This is a graceful song of pure contentment. I wish we could bottle your breezy approach to an everyday day & use it to help people stop their fomenting over recent years & recent letdowns. This is what life is all about . . . not the contentious crap that most people post on social media. We all need to take a stroll like this every day. I love your inclusion of the everyday details that paint your world, but also connect you to so many others with similar carefree routines! Thank you for the poetic happy new year! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Such beautiful imagery Izzy. You took me along with you on that walk. I enjoyed the company, the songs, the views and those magnolia heads were magnificent. Thank you for the journey.

Chris

[Haley]

The imagery in this is outstanding, and while I didn't have easy access to oceans, reminds me of all the lake and river trips I took growing up. :)

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Haley, many Mahalo for dropping by and leaving a few words am so happy to know I could convey the imagery I had hoped to & a bonus to know this offering brought back memories of your childhood. Lovely. Izzy

[Gee]

What a lovely read m'dear. Next time take a wheelbarrow to bring the wee ones back when tired.
Good to see you make an appearance.:))
Hope you are well.
Happy New year to you and yours

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Gee, a very happy new year to you and your ohana! It’s very nice to be here again and I think your idea is grand I think Kalani and Skipper will enjoy a ride in a wheel barrow. Many Mahalo x

[Einstein Noodle]

well done Hippy! i was there with them all the way .. love the linen stuff start and finish. Hanging linen on the line was one of Norma's favorite things. She always made me smell it as we folded them together .. i felt the stones of the path on bare feet .. i wanted to be quiet as can be so as not to interrupt your trio ;) i think it is very clever how you tell us the activities of the whole day by what was in the back pack ... only specifically talking about the swim ... makes it even more special .. i can almost say i have been to the Islands after reading this ... best of the fresh new year ahead

[Island Hippy]

Oh aloha friend, what great words and thoughts you leave. It’s so nice to have these wee discussions and learn about one another. I do love hanging the laundry remember folding sheets with my husband at one end. I never really needed the help but it’s a lovely memory. Mahalo for joining us on our adventure x

[Einstein Noodle]

back at ya Hippie Girl!