February 10, 2020-
I kept myself home today, for good measure.
Yesterday was touch and go,
and I made it to the two obligatory gatherings,
being careful not to get too close to anyone,
lest what I felt was coming on,
was transferable.
I don’t speak of illness, much.
This is because it rarely comes calling.
Oregano, and a day of rest,
have knocked it out of me.
Illness is a state of being,
of which I rarely need speak.
Mount Chocorua was the first real peak,
I ever climbed.
I was grateful to my father,
for taking me there,
a uniquely satisfying climb,
that was distorted by a few moments
of diffuse anger,
back at the tent site.
When I had to deal with the same,
as a father, years later,
I knew what to do,
and let the boy work out his feelings.
Long Binh,
the only place where I ever felt
my life was in danger,
was also where I had to stand up
for myself.
So I did, and no harm came.
I may very well return to Viet Nam,
in a couple of years,
but I will leave Long Binh alone.
Hannibal saw me when I was
in a very raw state.
I was not allowed to write freely.
I was refused use of a computer.
Hannibal did not seem kind,
but someday, I will give
Hannibal a second look.
There are many places,
of which I don’t speak much.
As always, interesting…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Susan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many places and things like that in my life. I love how you phrased this, how you patched those things together with the ones you do speak of. Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gary,
As always the posts of this week were a good read during my breakfast.
I think I forgot to send one last week, so this week two big hugs on its way.
Warm regards,
Patty
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always feel your hugs, Patty!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There are so many beautiful and welcoming places in the world that avoiding the bad ones doesn’t diminish the ability to travel and enjoy life! Hope you are feeling much better today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am feeling better today, thank you, Val! Yes, avoiding the sad traps is, essentially, a good idea.
LikeLike