Description
Key of F
I start alone. I walk up to Masimore Road to meet Carol. Her legs are longer than mine and I pick up my stride to match hers as we walk up the hill. We turn the corner and spot Margarida in the distance. She stretches in preparation for the walk, grasping her mailbox post for support. She sees us, picks up her coffee mug from the ground, and takes on last sip before placing it into her mailbox. We trade words of greeting and find our walking rhythm. Another corner, another hill, and there’s Sheila at her daughter’s school bus stop. As we approach the corner she says goodbye to her husband, her dog, and the other parents at the stop. The four of us are deep in conversation now, about politics, the weather, our children, religion, and fitness. A half a mile passes before we spot Athena walking toward us. She wears sandals no matter what the weather; and her smile broadens as she draws closer to the group. Whatever conversation was happening is put aside, and the group splits into a natural three and two formation for the next mile. Like always, Carol remains in front. On Main Street and Singer Road we meet Karen, who has parked her car in the church lot. Her dance body traverses the hills with ease. She’s an inspiration. She holds her keys in one hand and her cell phone in the other. We marvel at the beauty of our surroundings as we pass the grazing horses. We cross the bridge, grateful for our 45 minutes of friendship, togetherness, exercise, and thought. As we reach the 3.5 mile mark, my companions- one by one- drop off from the group, headed for their homes, their lives. When my house appears on the horizon I say goodbye and wish all of us well. I’m alone once more.
