Walking Song ~ A Poem by Ivor Gurney

Moving Without Hurry: What “Walking Song” Teaches Us About Life

What if progress didn’t require haste—only attention?

Walking Song

Ivor Gurney

The miles go sliding by 
Under my steady feet, 
That mark a leisurely 
And still unbroken beat, 
Through coppices that hear 
Awhile, then lie as still 
As though no traveller 
Ever had climbed their hill. 
My comrades are the small 
Or dumb or singing birds, 
Squirrels, field things all 
And placid drowsing herds. 
Companions that I must 
Greet for a while, then leave 
Scattering the forward dust 
From dawn to late of eve.

Source

Reflection

This poem honors movement without urgency and progress without noise. Gurney reminds us that there is dignity in steady steps, in journeys measured not by speed but by presence. The speaker walks not to arrive, but to belong—to the rhythm of feet on earth, to birdsong, to fleeting companionship with the natural world. Nothing is owned; everything is encountered and released. In a world obsessed with outcomes, Walking Song invites us to trust the simple act of moving forward attentively. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys leave no trace behind except a quieter heart and a steadier soul.

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As you read this poem, ask yourself:

Where in your life might slowing down and moving steadily bring more peace than striving to arrive quickly?