An Achievement

In Boston today an American won the Marathon for the first time since the early 80′s. He ran over 26 miles in just a little over two hours. I have spent much of the winter in my recliner.

I go to the closet and get a plastic bag.

Hazard springs to attention a look of delight, or is it shock, on his face.

I step into my worn sandals and walk out the door into an evening that smells and sounds like springtime.

The evening breeze carries the scent of mown grass and grilled meat.

On the porch the wind moves the chimes.

In the distance a few Canada Geese honk.

In the woods along the creek a Wood-thrush calls.

On the street a runner shuffles past.

A block away children laugh and play.

In the park a swing complains form a long winter of disuse.

In a Blue Spruce a Mourning Dove Coos.

Out on the main road a throaty Harley rumbles by.

At the north end of the pond boys banter and fish.

It’s been a long, hard, snowy, cold, unrelenting winter but I have made it out of my recliner and around the pond for the first time this year.

They say the smallest deed is better than the grandest intention and the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and you have to start somewhere and the slothful man will go hungry… so… I’m out of my recliner.

There were no cheering crowds but it was a satisfying achievement.

Ken Pierpont

Granville Cottage

Riverview, Michigan

April 21, 2014