Time-out Spot

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Wed, 15 May 2024
  • 852 reads
18 comments
 

“Halfway up the slope is a spot where I stop.
It isn’t at the bottom, it isn’t at the top.
It isn’t in the town, nor yet up on the hill,
but this is the point to pause to fill
my eyes with the view over roofs and rush,
and catch my breath after climb and crush
of the busy shops, before I reach home
and the work that awaits my hands alone.

“This is my spot
the place I’ve got
a space that is not
for the doing
and the toing and froing
of everyday,
so here I stay
awhile, briefly,
free of care –
not anywhere
really.”  

[This is not autobiographical, though I have sympathy with it, and with such pauses when countrside and hill-walking!]
[IP: write a story or poem based on a piece of writing you admire.] –  inspired by AA Milne’s ‘Halfway down the stairs’ a clever chillden’s (and grownup’s) favourite. https://allpoetry.com/Halfway-Down

Certificate U
Poem
Families
Humour
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

Isn't it lovely to have a special place like this? A place to sit and unwind and take in the wonder of the things that surround us. I don't know if it's an age thing but these days whenever I plan a journey, either on foot or by other means, I always think about a nice place to stop halfway along the route. 

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, and somewhere 'in the middle' does seem seperate from the concerns to be attended to at either end! which A A Milne's children's poem so simply portrayed! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

A Good adaptation. Well done.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank youk, Luigi. I'm not surprised you know the original. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

I didn't know this AA Milne piece, but your poem reminds me of that song by Kermit the frog, when he sings about being half way up the stair.

I have to admit that on those odd occasions when I venture out for a walk, It's always great to know there's somewhere to sit and rest, even on local walks now, as my right hip and knee really play up. Can't believe how fit I used to be. So your poem resonated with me.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, it is the AA Milne (of Winnie the Pooh fame) poem that the frog sang in the Muppets. It is lovely to pause occasionally away from the usual scene isn't it? Thank you. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Brilliant link with the A.A. Milne poem, Rhiannon, Really enjoyed this, Thankyou!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Di. It was buzzing around in my mind awhile before I saw how it could be applied! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

“This is my spot
the place I’ve got
a space that is not
for the doing
and the toing and froing.."

A special spot is a wondrous thing.

You capture one so evocatively, Rhiannon.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. Always good to be able to relax and let go of much, and recharge. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

This reminds me of when I was a child visiting Llanbedr and every year when we arrived, the same man was seated on the same bench, to the point where we always looked out for him and waved. The spirit of him must still be there. It's wonderful to have a little sanctuary to re-charge your batteries, mentally and physically.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

He probably had a lovely outlook there! Thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

I liked how you've brought Milnes poem into an outdoor setting - and don't we all have that special spot to rest in?

Dougie Moody

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thanks. Yes! it's good to relax and recharge! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Typical. Impatient. Very inconsiderate.

Should rather enjoy the walk.

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Tom. If you're climbing a hill, there's always the excuse/reason to stop to look back at the changing view. When we were a bit younger and out more, I used to find my husband got ahead, and he'd wait for me, but when I reached his spot, he'd start to move on and not realise that now I needed a pause! Rhiannon

PS I think you must have changed the comment I replied to a bit, Tom! We were both enjoying the walk and pauses, though sometimes in our own musings. Rh

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Rather confusing. Watch out for those little gremlins. And AI - The ghost in the machine.

Keep well!  Have a great day! Tom