Let’s Take A Long Walk

Do you remember that Jill Scott song about long walks? Let me remind you with the intro:

“You're here, I'm pleased

I really dig your company

Your style, your smile, your peace mentality

Lord, have mercy on me

I was blind, now I can see

What a king's supposed to be

Baby I feel free, come on and go with me

Let's take a long walk around the park after dark

Find a spot for us to spark

Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation

Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations

Elevations, maybe we can talk about Surah 31:18”

I have definitely been having long walks lately and I can agree with this song writer that it’s exhilarating and fulfilling. 

A little background story would do us all some good.

I met Sam at his office and got curious. Prior to meeting him at his office, we had interacted over the phone. It was all business. We were both professional. Extremely professional, I must add. 

As usual, work took me there. As soon as I saw him, I felt he was different. There was this aura of coolness around him. I kept it to my myself. Still being professional.

After the first visit, I did a second (purely business). If I needed a sign to affirm my thoughts and gut feeling, then it was the second visit that did it. I went to his office, he was relaxed in a chair and I recall there was music(I faintly recall the genre). 

What intrigued me most was the tv, it was on but there was no sound. The channel was on CNN. He was in his world- Office +relaxing +music +Tv with no sound. 

There’s so much a man can tell you without speaking. Just looking at him is enough. His choice of music and posture says a lot. 

This older gentleman caught my eye. I remember telling my friend, Agnes( I don’t know if she recalls) that I like his calmness. 

Fast forward......He is my walking buddy. I love his company and I guess he loves mine as well, otherwise he wouldn’t be tricking me into walking long distances with him.

One evening after work, I passed through his office for a quick visit. We initially planned a walk but I worked quite late so I called to cancel the walk. Guess what? The visit turned into..... a walk(met him in front of his office dressed up in his walking outfit). I grudgingly joined him. He swore it was going to be a short walk. I only appreciated the walk after we were done. He takes his walks seriously and climbing uphill is his favorite thing to do. There have been times i asked myself why I allowed him to make me walk the long distances. LOL.  

Truth is, I’ve come to cherish those long walks, the conversations, jokes, laughs and even the places we walk to. I smile to myself when I am going home after the walks. Sometimes, at work, my mind wanders to us walking and it draws a smile on my lips. I found a friend I can walk with and I’m pleased. 

Jill Scott never lied. 

I have learned not to trust him when he says: we’re going to do a short walk(Sam doesn’t know what a short walk is). 

People seldom meet older gentlemen who are open minded, non-judgemental, knowledgeable, with good ears (listener) and fun like Sam. He’s patient, I know he is because you have to be patient to accommodate one who’s not used to long walks and headstrong  (he once told me to shut up though and also accused me of always thinking shortcuts) 🤣🤣. I’m blessed. 

Let’s keep walking, Sam. 

Corona Feelings by Chilombo