our old stretch

"our old stretch"
 

We gather with the year still warm
from all the hands that shaped it,
passing cups across the table
as if the work might start again
the moment someone nods.

We speak of what we carried here-
not to weigh it, not to measure,
only to name the scraps that stayed
in pockets, boots, and notebooks,
proof we kept moving.

A tune rises from somewhere near
the back of the room, unclaimed,
steady enough for anyone
to step into without worry,
old enough to feel familiar.

So we stand, shoulder to shoulder,
letting the room turn with us,
and whatever the next hour brings
we meet it with the same plain vow:
to keep each other company.


 

 

 

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Reviews

[Michael Sun Bear]

I like the warm feeling of companionship. You have “our old stretch” in parentheses. I have to admit to having never heard the term. Is it Australian, or, knowing what a scholar you are, something from old English? As we turn over the year, I hope you do get to enjoy some warm companionship. Blessings!

[redd Brick Keshner]

It’s like the term all the live long day and auld lang syne put together, a really long stretch of time🙏🏻🕊️