Navigating London

I'm off to Singapore early tomorrow which had me thinking about my last trip to London. Masks were still mandated and became uncomfortable after wearing one for several hours. Thank goodness the flying time was under ten hours. Unlike what awaits me come the morning.

Navigating London

Power walking with and without

the pooch: small terrier with a big

personality, a pub dog, a diva who

prances off when called.

Skin rubbed raw on my wee toe,

blood stiffening the side of my sock.

But I don't want to slow down

my daughter, doyen of big city trekking

or admit to faulty footwear

or advancing arthritis

or being out of breath

or even the appearance of age spots.

The dog has it right, collapsing

onto her throw as I sigh into a chair,

and the speed walker hotfoots it

to the corner store.

Marilyn Aschoff Mellor