By Cornelia DeDona
Southwest Florida Branch
I try to catch up—
to the woman climbing the hill ahead of me,
the same rise of pavement I swear remembers our footsteps.
She’s there most mornings—steady as a sunrise,
moving with a brisk, practiced stride that doesn’t waste breath.
Her outfit matches the season—
light layers when the air still holds onto night, a brighter shirt when the day turns bold,
good shoes, a cap pulled low, a water bottle that catches the sun like glass.
She’s sensibly dressed for the climb, for sweat, for weather that changes its mind.
And still—she carries a smile the whole way,
as if she knows something kind about the day before the day has proven it.
I want to meet her, not just follow her shape up the slope—
to fall into step beside her, where conversation feels easy and unforced.
But she rounds the bend the way certainty does—
one clean turn, and she’s gone, swallowed by trees and distance.
The neighbor’s dog barks as I pass—sharp and sudden—guarding the invisible border of “too late.”
I picture the talks we might have if I ever caught her—
politics, sure—spoken softly, as you do with strangers before they become neighbors,
current events that arrive on screens overnight and feel different in morning air,
the weather—humidity, wind, the first hint of rain—small forecasts we can test.
Maybe she’d tell me her name and laugh at how long it took me to ask.
Maybe I’d admit I’m still learning how to begin—how to step forward without an excuse.
Hope, I realize, looks a lot like someone who keeps walking even when no one is watching.
Maybe I should jog, let my breath turn ragged for a minute, just to close the gap.
Maybe I should get up earlier, when the streetlights are still on, and the world feels unfinished.
Maybe I’ll meet her tomorrow—at the start of the hill, before the bend decides for me.
Cornelia, I could visualize the whole story in my mind. It was so descriptive. My favorite line is the one about HOPE. That was deep. I really enjoy reading your writing! I wanted to meet her, too. 🙂
Hope never gets old or tired.
I love the language in this poem. I could feel my heart skipping a beat even tho I’m sitting here in front of a screen. Will walk later.
I would like to see if the poet could format it a little differently which would not distract
from my appreciate her remarkable use of language and metaphor.
Thank you for your comments. They are much appreciated.
You completely took me along with you. Your description drew me in. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments. They are much appreciated.
This is a great poem: descriptive, thoughtful, emotionally moving with movement. You are an awesome poet, Cornelia. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your comments and observations. They are much appreciated.
I like the ragged breath reference and can draw a picture of the breath.
diane
Thank you for responding to this poem. I am cheered by your thoughtful response.
Hey, I know that lady. She’s my neighbor! Serious, that was a nice read. Thank you.
She was the perfect metaphor personified. Thank you for your comments.
Cornelia, I was touched by the reality of your experience with hope. I love the way you have communicated your journey to us. It’s as if you are taking us with you. I certainly identify with some of the ways your have experienced hope. You are a quality writer!
Thank you!
Nancy Jo Hinsen
Thank you. This poem was inspired by a woman who passed by my house every day, rain or shine, no matter the season. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Such an excellent poem. I just read the first comment by Janet Wilson, and she included the exact lines I had copied: “Hope, I realize, looks a lot like someone who keeps walking even when no one is watching.” I love the way you have phrased that and the overall feeling of optimism in the entire poem. There is such a strong sense of expectancy and the idea that every morning brings new chances. Love this one!
Every morning, for me, starts at 5:00 a.m. Usually, no one is looking. LOL! Thank you for keeping the faith. It is a long uphill climb, but well worth the effort.
I love this poem, Cornelia!
It speaks to me, of me, and of my own quest to grow, thrive and hope.
Thank you for your strength and trust to share this.
Know that you reached me.
Perhaps one day, you & I will meet.
As you go before me in your poetry, “I try to catch up—”
“Hope, I realize, looks a lot like someone who keeps walking even when no one is watching.”
So, I keep walking, even when the ones I watch have no idea that I am trying to catch up, keep up and find someone who understands me.
Thanks again.
Janet Wilson
Your response is encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to comment.