A Walk About the Abbey

Alchemist Walk

Walking is such a simple phrase,

yet one that defines our lives …
a time of action between the child's crawl

and the senile chair;
a phase of learning between contemplation

and prose or song;
a slowing down from headlong rush,

so as to catch a breath.
A distinction, even a judgment of superior claim,
from the fish of the seas and birds on the wing.

…but of the Alchemist seeming more!

Walking takes on many forms,

usually with colored adjective support …
a leisurely, ambled pace with our finger

in the hand of a child;
a stroll alone, yet never lonely,

on a verdant mountain trail;
a measured, solemn approach

to an alter or funeral bier.
A choice perhaps against

a close confining vehicle,
both in space and time,

and confines of the mind.

…but of the Alchemist wisely more!

Walking caresses many feelings,

those of heart and pain and soul …
A willing escape from entrapping grief

to a path of re-birthed hope;
"I'll walk with God - from this day on,"

sings the spirit in surrender;
or some other commitment

to deity of other claim or self-reflection --
a humble plea for community and brotherhood,
bathed in charity or fear

of thrice-bound uncertainly.

…but of the Alchemist even more!