Times Turning

How walking fames, calipers, crutches, despite resistance, turned out to be my best friends and gave me so much more ......

 

I.

So young, but starting to move,
to explore my world, starting school,
a walking frame, aluminium and
  castor wheels, many versions but
  from a father’s love!
Helmets of plaster, fibreglass. 
Movement for the first time,
to get around easier, friends made,
everyone wanting to help,

wanting to be a part.

 

II.

I was nine when we met and

  I just didn't want to know,

I'd be fine I thought I'd make do.

    Oblivious to the help and ease

    of burden offered by them.

I was able to get around and was comfortable

  so, in a child's mind why?

What was was forever,

the way it would always be!

    A progression of time not understood. 

Would I cease to be accepted

  because of difference? 

What would people think anyway?

Calipers, stifling a spirit growing young,

I'd be different in an environment already accepting;

family and friends were my world,

all I needed all I craved!

 

Reactions not what I thought I'd find,

acceptance continuing despite difference,

as if nothing had changed

  for nothing had changed.

Everyone just wanting to help!

 

Those early nights together were hell,

day by day pinching, nipping at me,

grazes, gouging pieces from knees,

swearing heard, grimaces of face,

ripped Levi's, blood stains

  against fabric grey.

Hot to wear, straps chaffing,

reddened marks on flesh bare,

sheer relief come day's end,

weekends of freedom.

Breaks of various kinds

  holting my progress, 

but more and more they becoming

  my saviour, my ticket to freedom.

Thankful, grateful for a greater wisdom

  than a child's mind.

Time goes on .......

 

Turning, turning slowly,

calipers becoming a part of me;

a new knowing, a new understanding. 

In the car park both of us crying,

holding tight at the word, ‘Always!’

The day sobering as tears flowed, but

  bridges crossed in that moment.

Slowly calipers melding into life,

into the person and body of who I am,

adding new dimensions to life.

Times turning, meanings changing;

realisation of new strengths,

of endurance, of spirit and emotion.

New places, new experiences,

seeing things never seen,

encountering new challenges.

So many things new now possible,

a contentment, confidence has come in moving on!

 

Forty years a part of me and

  part of my every day,

as if an article of clothing.

An understanding of

  limitation without and

  a dependency needed.

A friendship of a different kind,

a bond not to be without,

a bond of strength, not burden!

 

III.

Crutches at twenty one, a new stance;

more upright, never realising a stoop,

a straight back, more control in step,

something not felt previously. 

A new concept of movement,

more disciplined than before and

  a freedom not experienced until now.

A confidence, a pride!

New dimensions of endurance;

physically, psychologically,

a greater self esteem.

 

I realise, with my friends

  my story ever changing,

my path, my horizons opening up. 

Together calipers, crutches

  charting my course,

giving me life and

  a new awareness, appreciation

  of need, of dependency.

Both constant companions,

the realisation also of

  a weakness without them. 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Ally Ann]

This is a beautiful tribute to the passing of time, with its heartaches and discoveries. You described the naive nature of being a child so well, and the passionate changes we endure as time continues on without our permission. Growing older gives us new challenges, but also bestows new wisdom that allows us to reflect on the past like you did in this poem. I loved reading this!

[Richard M]

Thank you Ally, so much for reading and reviewing this. It has been such a journey and so needed (and need to even now) to document the past and pay respect to that journey. Thank you so much again, for your beautiful words in reviewing something that's so deep and meaningful to me. Thank you friend xo

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Ties Turning'
Richard M.
This is so edifying. You speak of your oreal and work as the stuggle with your body is strengthening inner resolve. Here is a sounding board because the strength gained is now your place of voice to others. We all are looking for help to live to keep going. Your poem is a poem like that..edifying.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Richard M]

Dear Kathy, Thank you so much for your beautiful words. They were/ and are hard yards, but I like to think of the way things were in order to build the future. Thank you dear friend for reading and your wishes. R

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Bless you too Richard. I love your attitude. Can't keep a good man down, as the saying goes. I appreciate your strength of character.
Kathy

[Richard M]

Thank you Kathy for your words and support. I wrote this five years ago. I just love life and living and do my thing. Thank you for your friendship and support (((HUGS))) xx

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Richard
Bless you too and keep being you. God made you and He is perfect!
Blessings,read moreRichard
Bless you too and keep being you. God made you and He is perfect!
Blessings,
Kathy

[George David Hope]

This reminds me of a family who lived in my parents street. They had a daughter with spina bifida and couldn't walk very well. He would wait until it was pouring down with rain and then carry her to the top of the path and leave her. The only way she was allowed back inside the house was when she'd walked down the path unaided. It was tough love but it worked.

[Richard M]

Tough yes, but I do think sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Thank you for reading George

[Sneh]

Richard,,
Well enunciated, I was not just reading but instead was feeling it. The best part for me is ' I was nine... ' and further. We gather new experiences at every stage and those makes us more confident,but chaos are there all the time. Still we try to thrive to extend the happiness.
Sneh

[Richard M]

Thank you so much Sneh for reading and reviewing. Quite a journey, but have grow through it. Am at the moment, visiting past experiences and thinking of those times, always gaining strength for future. Thrilled you enjoyed it!

[Sneh]

My pleasure.. :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Wow wow wow. Not really a review. I am sorry. Every once in a while I pop into the feed and come across a treasure that blows me away. This is one such treasure. It tells a beautiful struggle, a remarkable journey, still in progress, weaving in the thoughts of the speaker so seamlessly as to make my heart hitch. Amazing.

[Richard M]

Thank you so very much Lyn for your beautiful words in appraising my poem. I am so thrilled that you loved it and very smiley here for your reactions. I'm now wanting to explore things of past events of my life. Thank you again for your positive words.

[Chris Shaw]

Your journey through childhood to adulthood, which has been far from easy. Periods of restricted movement, of pain, but this poem is a story of triumph to this reader. You have overcome those trials and tribulations and accepted your situation with grace, acknowledging that without assistance you would not have the strength of character that you have today. You are stronger because of. A most interesting read Richard. Thank you.

Chris

[Richard M]

Dear Chris Thank you so much for reviewing my poem, your beautiful words and thank you for understanding (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

You are more than welcome Richard. have a lovely day.

[Richard M]

Thank you my friend and you too xo