SPEAKING TO THE DAY

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

Ramsden Park, Toronto

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

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

5 km