Walking in Hull

I love to walk,
to feel the breeze-breath caress and bless my skin,
and the sunshine warm on my face.

I love to walk,
to hear the riots of sparrows
in the hedgerows near the hospital.

I love to walk,
to see the magnolia buds pushing through,
to see the birds flit from tree to tree,
and the squirrel run along the wall.

I love to walk,
down the Avenues,
to see the grand tall houses and their front gardens,
each unique and beautiful in their own way,
and the spring flowers in the grass lining the pavement.

I love to walk,
to see the people I pass.
Many look drowned and haunted,
and on a day when I have been quiet,
I remember to will them love and healing.

I love to walk,
to school with my boy as he talks, talks, talks,
his words dancing and bouncing around the cars.

I love to walk,
to feel my body do what it’s made to do:
my breadth quicken, the heat rising, muscles stretching,
as I rush to school for pick up.

I love to walk,
to feel the breeze-breath caress and bless my skin,
and the sunshine warm on my face.