Male hunter in the woods
How to Take a Walk
by Leo Dangel
This is farming country.
The neighbors will believe
you are crazy
if you take a walk
just to think and be alone.
So carry a shotgun
and walk the fence line.
Pretend you are hunting
and your walking will not
arouse suspicion.
But don’t forget
to load the shotgun.
They will know
if your gun is empty.
Stop occasionally.
Cock your head and listen
to the doves you never see.
Part the tall weeds
with your hand and inspect
the ground.
Sniff the air as a hunter would.
(That wonderful smell
of sweet clover is a bonus.)
Soon you will forget
the gun in your hands,
but remember, someone
may be watching.
If you hear beating wings
and see the bronze flash
of something flying up,
you will have to shoot it.
“How to Take a Walk” by Leo Dangel from Home From the Field. © Spoon River Poetry Press, 1997.
How Jeanne Takes a Walk
by Jeanne Poland
This is farming country
in the mountains.
The neighbors will know
you are an artist
if you take a walk
and photograph
hummingbirds
beauties of science
like goldfinch.
pretend you’re at the museum
point to the blossoms
with your cane.
inhale the scent
of sage.
Don’t forget
to swing the cane
like Charlie Chaplan
o’er your head
as if the music swells
in the silent movie…
and birds take flight
explode in a thrust
up to the clouds,
a rainbow of color, strength,
and grace of spirit!
The Vibrant Channeled Creator 