LesleyScoble.com

The Walking Frame

micro poem

The walking frame
in the room
looked through me

aluminium
mute
cold

I’d never felt this old

—Lesley Scoble, September 2026

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My mother said…

When I was younger, happily lolling about on the sofa, my mother would say, ‘It’s better to wear out than rust out.’

Well, Ma — I wore out.
All my years dancing on stage and television (and anywhere else after a couple of beers) have taken their toll on my joints. The wild grand jetés along tabletops and bar counters have finally done for me.

On 19 August I had a major bilateral hip operation. Like an old jalopy, I went into hospital for spare parts.

I’m at home recuperating now, and this is where my micro‑poem comes in. The walking‑frame ‘thing’ seems to be looking at me all the time. I assure you it won’t be long before it’s standing beside the bins, where it may stare coldly at whoever it likes — as long as it’s not at me.

Feature image credit
The Walking Frame | Digital pencil©️Lesley Scoble

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