Melbourne to Mapoon accomplished. (New Mapoon awaits, just shy of the tip)

---

So thanks to all the helpers on this way,

not fast, but list’ning, looking, moving slow.

This way of soles of shoes transmitting pain,

more time to think and wonder, ask to  know.

Still moving, but with options to slow down, 

and poke around a bit or lend a hand,

to hear some stories, laugh, smile, cry or frown,

and observations that help understand-

-ing grow between opinions that oppose.

That’s not quite right, I know, but that’s the walk.

(The gifts that came, of paradigms and those

new ways of viewing partnership, and talk).

For in reality it’s only pe-

-ople, who can grow to understand and change;

and while opposing o-pin-ions there be,

they keep their stances. They don’t rearrange.

My lovely senior partner in this walk:

creative love, or thoughtfulness that acts,

I owe most to, for when I’d nearly bawk

it's providence was gracious, and relaxed.

And those provided as a partner too

who chose to say “G’day” (instead of stare

ahead, not notice, and then continue).

You’ve added to this life, I’m glad to share

this planet with you, thank you for your gifts,

attention, service, knowledge of the track

and friendly toots of horns, waves, finger lifts,

and time, and thoughtful questions coming back.

And even giving more than I had hoped

to others in some need of help around

the themes of living well, and help to cope

when friends aren’t quite enough upon the ground.*

And those who shouted coffee, lunch, a fish, 

a cold one on the road instead of pass-

-ing by, who stopped and gave some trolley lifts,

or cuppa tea, and sandwiches with class!

And those who saw me often on a stretch,

and kept the friendly banter going too.

My life is much the richer to have meshed

with yours. I hope that it’s the same for you!

---

*  I had a link to two charities for this walk, things that are often ignored, but are quite openly available and attested as helpful by many people who state they have really benefited from help provided from that quarter: 

• Movember for Prostate Cancer & Men’s mental health,  I aimed to see $200.00 donated. We got >= $230.00 or $260.00, (but it seems to zero again every financial year, but I think now, I might have aimed too low, it was just that many folk are battling, and I didn’t want to be making people feel guilty for not giving money, when they are already stretched) and 

• The Bible Society who have translated very old documents from Ancient Hebrew, Ancient Aramaic, and Ancient Common Greek, into not only everyday English, but many other Australian Mother-tongues. These scriptures focus on a Leader of Humanity who would make humans proud of their race, not ashamed. I think our country needs more fair-dinkum followers of such a leader. I just had a link to their general donation page, so not sure how much got to them.

---