A Walkabout

One day—long ago now—too long ago

I took a walk—a hike—with my dog—my sidekick

I didn’t go to work— I just woke up and— well— didn’t

For the first time in my life— I just said no

It was liberating— eye opening— my debut

Later that morning my friend at work called to check on me

I was alright

You’re on a hike?

I’m on a hike

What do I tell people, that you’re on a… walkabout?

Well— yes— that’s perfect. Yes I’m on a walkabout

Tell them that

It was one of my best days

I told myself I needed to do this more often

I needed to walkabout more often

I think I vowed to walkabout

I haven’t done one since

I realized just now— fifteen years later— that I haven’t done another walkabout

At least not like that anyway

A proper walkabout is when, despite commitments and things to do

You drop it all— risk the consequences— forget the obligations and responsibilities—

And just go

I need one now