She hiked up the hill
with pack and pole.
It could have been
different. She chatted
to friends, not pausing
for breath. It could
have been different.
At the summit,
she raised her arms,
posed for photos.
For lunch she
ate a bagel and
banana. She sipped
tea. It could
have been different.
She descended
with light-hearted
steps. It could
have been different.
Later, she sat outside
In her garden, and
dreamed of
more hills to climb,
views to seek.
Soon, she accepts,
it will be different.
Inspired by Jane Kenyon’s poem, “Otherwise”. It is based on a true event, where to my surprise I found I had the energy and fitness to climb my local hill Bennachie when old university friends visited. Three days later, I walked up another hill, Ben Rinnes, with my son, Joe. Both were special unexpected days of delight.
September 2023 is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. It is also Child Cancer Awareness Month. Every day 10 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Of those lucky enough to survive, many will have long-term side-effects that may significantly impact their lives forever.
I am posting one poem per day to recognise this and raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. This charity provides sailing and other outdoor adventures for children and young people aged 8-24 who have been treated for cancer. But it’s more than that. There’s a package of support around this including siblings, return trips, volunteering opportunities and so on. The Trust also works hard to ensure their work is environmentally sustainable. You can make a donation HERE!
So true. Grab the moment and do what you can when opportunities present themselves is a really important message. Enjoy living.
I was so delighted to hear that you’d been up two of the biggest and loveliest hills in the North East. Have you been up Barmekin Hill near Echt or Roman Hill, Strathdon not as lofty but two of my favourite hills in Aberdeenshire.