Invited to run with daughter —

LOVE the daughter, Jenny May.

I admire her physical activity level —

she is 20-some years younger.

 

But, no, running is not comfy for me.

I prefer the pace at which I can see

the variety of weeds, trees, flowers, and

the breathing pattern does not change.

 

Let’s notice these little white caps on clover.

Seems that when I was a girl, they were occasionally purple.

Be watchful of the three leaved vines on that tree;

poison ivy loves to climb on, and cling to, strong trees.

 

Did you know this orange jewel-weed is more than pretty?

It usually grows near poison ivy and really soothes the itch.

Oh, I wish I had known, when you kids were little —

this broadleaf plant has antiseptic elements for scrapes and such.

 

Your Bentley and Royce want to go faster, don’t they?

They are accustomed to your energy level, and

they are fortunate four-legged brothers.

Perhaps – and most likely – you will take them for a real run later.

 

Look, here is a dandelion in its last phase.

You can make a wish, and blow those seeds all around.

Papa Claude may have preferred all green grass,

but I just love the sparkles of yellow throughout my yard.

 

At this pace we can chat — how happy you are with Amy’s and Andre’s baby news,

and how challenged you are with the team at work —

that resents your earnest efforts to supervise and maintain.

And we talk about getting back to God.  He’s waiting patiently.

 

So, thank you for this nice little jaunt at my grandmotherly speed.

Lots of grandmothers do run like you do –

traveling through the paths, seeing enough to stay safe.

But, I love our “chatting pace” and tiny nature study.

 

By Nancy Ann Smith,  Amherst, Ohio