Solitary by Christine Pennylegion

Solitary

I have become a connoisseur of foot-
steps, mostly mine: the pavement’s soft flat sound
before the city wakes; how when I put
my weight on ice beneath the snow, the ground
creaks like a ship at sea; the swish of leaves
in fall, their skitter and their crunch—the way
each season’s outings have their leitmotivs
and orient my steps in time. Today,
I walk. Tomorrow I will walk again,
I’ll let my body teach me solitude
and silence on the way. If sleet or rain
should come, then let them come; I’m warmly shoed.
I’ll force my steps past every house and door.
I won’t admit it’s yours I’m listening for.

by Christine Pennylegion

Editor’s Note: This sonnet’s first line features a delightful enjambment that orients the reader within the cheery imagery of the narrative, until the last line zaps the heart still.

Comments

One response to “Solitary by Christine Pennylegion”

  1. Eric Nelson Avatar
    Eric Nelson

    Wow. Outstanding sonnet. Beautiful poem.

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