Rhonda came riding riding
speeding down the cycle path
flying by the crashing waves
dampened by the salt sea spray
with drifts of wind blown sand
she peddled all the way up the hill
then coasted crazily down again
dodging hunky surfer guys
and fit fems on power walks
dogs madly chasing frisbies
indulging her preferred coastal life
with the vital zest she had for life
her room was small but ample
speedy cycling her real passion
sunshine with screeching gulls
who could want for more
although immortally poor
she had her health and zest
for her this life was the best
anything less a compromise
but once enfolded in her room
her mind would quiet then zoom
calm would seep joy would creep
both speeds fed her daydreams
fast and furious or slow and quiet
contemplation was her occupation
yet didn’t pay a wage so leading
others meditations kept her sharp
community minded
injustices blinded
she tried her utmost to help others
but outcast by her different stance
her life choices sincerely enhanced
refused to act her chronological age
flexible of mind and body her wealth
dVerse, Amaya, movement … sorry missed Mr Linky but wanted to write one!
Rhonda is definitely full of vim and vigour … I loved your ballad like poem, it nearly got me up out of my warm comfy chair… .. xx
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Sounds like someone I know! ❤️
Love the joie de vivre your verse conveys! 🙂
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There are many stats that we can fill to project our true age over our actual recorded age.
May we all live as we wish with young hearts moving as much as we are able.
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well said Jules, move it or lose it … but keeping our heart young and mind and body active all helps!
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Yes, sounds autobiographical, a wonderful tale of being yourself and mindful.
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I used to ride 20-40 miles a day (I also did laps around my city on weekends). I had no choice because of family troubles and having to go to work. Cry, snivel, cry, complain, I know. Like you, I love riding, but I can’t do it anymore due to medicine. I love that you’ve found your passion in a beautiful place. Great way to relax and be inspired!
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thanks but it is a poem, not me as many may think 🙂
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I think I need me a little more Rhonda… 🙂
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A lifetime summed up beautifully Kate!
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We just be ourselves no matter what others think. I need a bit of more of Rhonda in me. 😉 HUGS
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I find that some of the most interesting people refuse to ‘act’ their age – love the words, thank you!
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Wow Rhonda is full of vigor and love for nature and yes so true hardly people know such lovely individuals. Loved the carefree, Rhonda and the lovely picture, Kate.
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she is a character I’ve only just invented, but thanks for the compliment
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haven’t met her, just that the name went well with riding
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Rhonda has an admirable zest for life. I can’t see any reason why she should act her chronological age, whatever it might be.
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[…] Rhonda had been sexually abused as a child by a door to door salesman at three then her own brother at eleven raped by a mate at twenty her mother wouldn’t believe her had raised her sons as entitled white men women their mere servants to offer sexual favours […]
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age is just a number, living our best life is what counts most
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absolutely, none of us are guaranteed to see tomorrow
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You go, Rhonda!!! 😉 😀
Great poem, Kate! Full of smiles and encouragement and truth!
I am still “stuck” at age 5 and I refuse to grow up!
OH, your photo is so beautiful! What a serene healing place!
HUGS!!! 🙂
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This is full of movement. I remember I felt a littel behind the curve on learning to ride a bike, so many falls and fasle starts and not wanting to get on again for the abrasions. Then once it clicked and I sped round and round the cul de sac, amazed at the smooth and curving speed, not quite belieiveing it was me. This poem brought me back to that. Well done.
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A wonderful characterization. I love the idea of not acting our age (I like to do that every day) and also going with our own idea of what life is supposed to be like. I think we can learn from Rhonda.
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definitely a liberating attitude!
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I love the power of youth in this… to keep pedaling is good.
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indeed
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Your poem evokes a memory of Sissy Hankshaw, a character in Tom Robbins’ book, Even Cowgirls get the Blues. Your poem of a free spirit is uplifting, Kate.
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don’t know the character or the book but now you’ve got me curious … glad it resonated Lisa!
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Tom Robbins is one of the greatest authors alive and his characters are unforgettable. Yes, she did!
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I’ve definitely heard of him, just never read him … I find enough Aussie female writers or current writers I’ve met at festivals that I don’t have the time to read pop authors.
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