walking in the morning

Every morning when I am about town, walking my dogs or headed to the co-op, I see a woman walking beside a man who is pushing a small cart. She is very short. Very short. And he is very tall. I am not much interested in him although I have looked to see that his demeanor is polite to her. They do not talk. They don't smile. They walk.

She is probably only 3 and a half feet tall. Just small with age. Her hair is long and red. It hangs well below her knit cap worn for the cold Maine mornings they walk. Her hand holds on the cart, so close to him that for a time I thought they walked holding hands. It would make balancing difficult because they walk all day. Her hand in his would not have physical support walking all day demands, although I understand the emotional support it would offer. The support they offer to each other is clear. Their walk is slow and determined.

I have watched her for weeks now. I want to ask for a photograph. I want to ask folks in town what they know of her .... she is so strong. Her legs, her back her mind in the determination to not stop. Walking.