Counting smiles along the way

By Nellie Curtiss ...
(for my son)

So many years and counting smiles
along the way bring a wreath of
memories and snares. Each of us,
your soul included, navigate man-made
hurdles out of the city, the Texas Gulf
or Colorado valleys, then hidden traps
lay wait for even a tippy toe test of
metal against the depth of consciousness.

I nod my head to you, for your somber
courage as challenges and limits
beset you but do not knock you off
your stride, which is that hope
in a future clocked and grounded
in loving, living, and lapping up
words, sentences, paragraphs,
and chapters to know more.

Understand more. Live more.
Share more. Think more. 

So many years and counting
hugs along the path dissolve ire
and distress into compassion,
understanding, wisdom that comes
from real-world hiccups and journeys.
Some say the Quaking Aspen
leaf that tumbles in Autumn gathers
every twirl into a memory press and
holds nutrients together with other
leaves piled on the earth so spiders,
worms, mites, and beetles find havens
to stretch out and breathe in.
Unpacking the earth is quite the
deal as roots find resistance in soil
that has no air for rasping and growing.

We are each a jewel in the atmosphere
with similar and dissimilar histories
that compress our souls into earthen
ware ready for nurturing friends,
families and villagers who yearn for
insight into so many years and tallying
smiles along the ever-changing pilgrimage.



— Nelda Curtiss is a retired college educator and long-time
local columnist. Reach her at www.columnsbynellie.com or email
her at columnsbynellie@gmail.com