Today’s photo essay comes to you from a sidewalk in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Sometimes a walk lightens a heavy heart, you know.) Skip to the end for Fall Reading Recommendations – 5 Books to Curl Up With!
The Meaning of a Fried Egg on the Sidewalk
When things seem grim
It’s probably time
To take a closer look
When you are walking around the block
Life is full of surprises, you are reminded
By the unexplained presence of a fried egg
If a fried egg can show up near the curb,
Anything can happen, anytime.
Life is full of things you may never understand, you are reminded
By the strange language of utility workers
(Or aliens with markers)
And it is full of questions you may never know the answer to
Like: Why are fire hydrants red?
And: Why was the red wheelbarrow so important in that poem?
You might see a tiny pine tree growing in the crook of an arm
You might see yourself in a shard of glass
And wonder Why?
Things aren’t always where they are supposed to be.
But small fruits remind you that
Life is also
Bountiful
And weeds remind you that
Green things grow in unlikely places
Especially if you don’t care too much about appearances.
The late blooming gardenia reminds you
That fragrance in September is just as sweet as fragrance in May.
I especially appreciate the overachievers –
the first acorns of autumn
the first leaves to fall –
Let’s get on with things, they say.
What’s the point of hanging around
When the sidewalk is so warm
And such a surprisingly
peaceful
place to rest.
* * *
Please check in at StyleBlueprint for my Fall Book recommendations! Here are 5 Books to Curl Up With…
Plus Bonus picks…
Very nicely done.
Thank you, Brent!! xoxo
You’re making me rethink the red wheelbarrow. I always assumed the white chickens depended on it. But that doesn’t make sense!
Laughing!! Yes. The white chickens, Carrington. xoxo
Go little pine tree!! And I love your reflection in the tiny shard of glass.
I’m so happy to hear from you, Julie!! That little pine tree hurts my heart. Maybe next time I’m in Raleigh I’ll transplant it. When no one is looking. It’s in someone else’s yard of course. xoxo
Oh my. I love this.
Thank you, Harriet!! It means so much to me to hear from you – to know that this poem touches your heart. xoxo
Your poetry, photographs and insights brighten my day!
And you brighten mine, always, dear Nancy!! xoxo
My dear Jen, to think that you are thinking creative thoughts when you walk around the block is an inspiration to me! Some folks stuff their ears with music when taking a walk and never see a single thing that stirs the heart! Why you had a heavy heart, I think I know. Yet life is bountiful! We just have to look for it!