There's the brisk kind
pushed by purpose
sounding out in its step falls
on stone, cement, gravel
the calling to attain...achieve...arrive
carrying the person along
well ahead and beyond
those engaged in the type
that allows for
savouring the scents and scenery,
pausing for nature appreciation,
thinking out life
remembering past dreams
while creating the new,
catching the breezes and
stopping for shade

then there’s the kind
that negotiates hardships
tapping with white cane,
managing leg brace, metal or hickory stick,
cautious of
uneven grades and hazards of construction,
pace not a variable of choice
but of possibilities

sometimes if you're fortunate
(or not) you may spy the type
that's more sultry and wiggly
pelvis and hip working away
as if counting on being on display

not to be forgotten
is the happy clatter kind
curiosity-filled and itchy
with energy, sometimes needing
the caution of parental controls
you may remember
the pride and importance of those
early ones, down
to the neighbouring kid’s
house to play

around these parts often
occur sightings of the ones
that amaze in their transport
of the determined but fragile
frail hosts, appearing like living ghosts
taking their constitutionals

I remember a theatre arts exercise
teaching the demonstration of character
by each distinguishable manner of these

as I stroll my neighbourhood
I find no shortage of variety
whether accompanied by skateboard, cell phone
notepad (for home renovations ideas)
or pulled by or leading a dog-on-a-leash
all the assortments
flowing in line

for all manner of reasons,
in whatever style,
out walking the walk

07/22/2006