© Ayr/Gray
Slowly going down
it’s rather steep
you’re whispering but you’re alone
and no one saw you there.
Your hanging onto the rail
on the right side
you’re holding your stick
and you’re doing well.
You sit down
removing your socks
and your sandals
putting them neatly.
Now you’re standing up
here’s the beach
here’s the sea
isn’t it perfect?
You’re starting to walk
down and out – bracing
you’re keeping going
and never coming back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.
luna's on line 
Excellent poem with a powerful ending, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Dave!
LikeLiked by 1 person
round round
cold bitter wind
knife
and the desire
to stay indoors
all the more
confirmed
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes indeed – a very good reason! And thank you.
LikeLike
profound. mebbee you could laud spring bok too. just kidding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this is so good, Chris! Very motivating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks a lot, Punam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Chris. 🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Chris this is so sad 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, it could be sad, but I also thought that s/he might be finding a new place… maybe like Reginald Perrin (the old one with the hippo)😉
LikeLike
yes I agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how sad. Beautifully written Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sadje – but maybe there’s another reason – landing on a boat, perhaps?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that’s true. 🥹
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your poem, dear Chris 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Luisa💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re more than welcome 🌹🫶🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
My initial reaction was that this is very sad. But after going through the comments, I realised that it could be something positive too, just the way you meant it. Beautifully written, Chris 👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for that, Shweta – that’s very kind! Well, you know me… I like to leave things open😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome 😁
Ohh yes indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A thought-provoking poem. I didn’t expect that ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah ha, my work is done!! Thanks so much, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a beautiful poem that goes well with the photo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much – a great photo is always useful…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Andrew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
moving and (quietly) powerful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for that, Clark
LikeLike
Nice one Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Di!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elegantly written, Chris, with a bit of optimism peeking out at the end …. she said optimistically!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks so much, Nancy! And yes, always trying to be optimistic😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely poem! To be free to walk in the sand barefoot! No wonder he’s not coming back!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, that lovely feeling… ooh, my feet are tingling just now!😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful and easy it could be, my dear Chris. I’ll need this here and now!!🤪😏🙏💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m saying that this is a lovely and pleasant place… and warm.
Let’s just take a little walk!😊😎💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, Chris, that was beautifully deceptive, all tranquil and positive, and then…
Then I saw the comments, but I’m sticking with my first interpretation, so:
DON’T DO IT!
Great piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very happy with that… thanks CE!
LikeLike
Beautiful poem, Chris, and great to see you here again.
I originally went with the sad ending, and then read the comments – which sent me back to the poem.
And the determiation in each word.
Especially the word ‘bracing’ – that’s a strong word, that’s the word of someone who’s moving forward, ready to face whatever comes.
I repeat – beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jenne.
In fact, when I was writing yesterday morning, I felt rather miserable. I wandered around the garden and then later I decided to change the words a bit – and then I thought… Yes, it works better (and happier).
LikeLike
I love this peace! Many thanks Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks very much, Martina.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Chris. That “never coming back” could be wonderful or ominous. I love the carefulness of this and the ambiguity is gripping. Wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Diana – it’s always good if I came manage to pull up two different outcomes😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I enjoy that kind of read. It makes me think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing photo, and your poem fits it perfectly, regardless of whether it’s a sad or happy ending. I can see Panda running down the steps calling, “Hey Foster, let’s see where these stairs lead to!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can definitely see Panda running down there. What fun!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know how this poem would end until the last line. Excellently penned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Cassa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh yes…The perfect summer home. Nice one Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right, Darnell – and for me it’s summer now. Down to the beach, and it’s flat here (phew)!
LikeLike
Beautifully written, Chris. The narrator’s clear determination does suggest that what awaits her at the end is something very worth it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nicole – I like to think that it’s always good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely poem. It makes me long for summer days on the shore!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right… it’s always nice to go to a lovely beach in the warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I miss the ocean. I haven’t been to the coast for a few years. Every year something else comes up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what a shame, Robbie – although it will be almost the busiest time soon here, and very hot. I’m thinking about one of your poems about the CT beach, which always makes me smile.😎
LikeLike
Hi Chris, I know which poem you mean. Life has just worked out that way for me with other opportunities cropping up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is so good Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad that you liked it, Gary!
LikeLike
Your writing reminds me of a sad ending to a book… where a woman let an abusive man take her to the ocean… so she could escape her unhappy life.
Choices can be hard… but I think there is always someone who could help…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh, I’m not very happy to read books which are sad. For me I even (mostly) tend to make up things which are fine, and happy!
LikeLike
I do think our reading tastes change. Often when in angst we like to read others pit falls to compare circumstances….
I too, now like to end on positive notes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful indeed. With an ominous or adventurous air of not going back👏🏾✍🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Which way to go… let’s see?
I say good!😎
LikeLike
Oh yes! I am imagining it now! I love walking on the beach, near the sea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes, the lovely beach! A bit chilly by you at the moment though, eh?
LikeLike