Scribbled Lives Week 13—Walking

The first Wednesday in April is designated as National Walking Day by the American Heart Association to encourage heart-healthy exercise—especially welcome if you are experiencing cabin fever while self-isolating and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week’s Scribbled Lives prompt asks members to recall a memorable walk and to write a brief description or compose a poem to capture the best about that walk.

On a sunny yesterday, I headed to the national park where I normally hike, but the trails were closed. Instead of heading into the park, I explored the boundary and managed to get lost in my observation of nature’s patterns in shadow—tree branches, rocks, wildlife, and me. While an object itself does not change shape, its shadow casts a changing story depending on the shifting light. I wrote a poem.

“Walk along the edge of the wilderness. Sometimes you need to get lost before you are found.”

Broad edge pens and ink on rough watercolour paper. 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inches). I attempted to have letters touch so the colours would blend, but some just wanted to be socially distant!