The Journey Inward

A picture sent in the family chat,
That keeps us all connected,
And a part of each other's lives,
Stopped me in my tracks.

I love seeing all the images,
Nieces and nephews with their own babies now,
The happiness, joy, wonder, and frustration,
That come with parenting.

But this picture,
This one moved me,
A dad and his daughter,
Out walking and talking.

It took me back decades, to the early '70s,
When, after a rain had subsided,
My dad and I would head out for a walk,
And commence our worm hunting.

I don't remember how it began,
Or how we signaled each other to go,
Or where anyone else in my family was,
Or how often it happened.

I just know my dad and I were together,
Holding hands, walking and talking,
Stopping at each worm, 
Marveling at its unique qualities.

It didn't cost a dime, it wasn't grandiose or planned,
But that man gave me a cherished lifelong memory,
Not of worms or walks, but of love and care,
Of feeling special to the dad I adored.

Photo:  Midlothian, VA.  8.5.24 by SH