I wrote this poem in late 1983 while in college. During this time, learning by studying was a goal and expectation. I was determined to let nothing stop me from becoming more educated so I could thrive. Even though there were serious challenges, I confidently took them on. I continued finding reasons to smile and give thanks for the sun shining down, and throwing its rays to see me through. Enduring all, I walked tall and stayed strong like the Japanese maples as their roots grow strong.

On this day, I had an overpowering feeling. As I walked, I looked up at the beautiful golden canopy, but it turned cold on me—biting cold for Los Angeles. Listening to my discordant tempo, I heard the difference between my left foot and my right. I looked down at my legs. What I saw and heard then made me become who I am today. In that moment, I found my harmony and rhapsody.

Traveling Rhythms

The golden sky
Turned on me
With gray frost
As I walked
In syncopated
Rhythm down
The still street

I looked towards
The ground
Hearing the iambic sound
Of my stride

The right, strong and obstinate,
Keeping time with the left,
A delicate melody

Both traveling in
Separate rhythms…
Never combining
Their dissonance with their harmonies

Oh, why?
I ask myself
Why
Can’t you blend
Into rhapsody?

You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart.

Original text ©2025 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by Revjoy via Wikimedia Commons.