Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 17:03:45 -0400
From: “N.A. Booko”
Subject: My little steps . .
Forty years ago, I built a porch for my house. It needed two sets of steps- One side required several steps, but the back side needed only three little steps and barely that. From those steps I had planned a path to the future garage. Since the garage was yet to be built, the little steps were used infrequently. Two or three trips a week to the compost pile.
Over the years, my little steps got covered with leaves, pine needles, etc. and generally neglected. Possibly four years ago, I noticed my little steps were just a wee bit wobbly and the edges of steps were slightly crumbly. Even tho I knew all this, I thought my little steps would last many more years. The boards began to shift slightly when you stepped on them. I guess they were trying to tell me something.
Now, I am more or less hesitant to step on my little steps. Afraid I will hurt them and afraid I will hurt myself. It is sad to see old age grasp and take hold of something that is part of your life. Part of your existence. Not quite sure I have the energy to dismantle my little steps and build replacements. It would never be the same. Lumber has changed, ground contact protection has changed and I have changed. I need to watch my step and my steps. I feel sorry for my little steps and myself. I can’t even sit on my little steps anymore and while away the hours, dreaming of what I am going to do and knowing full well what I am not going to do. Alas, time and tide waits for no man . .
N.A. Booko