Counting the Numbers Home

Thomas Hemminger

September 10, 2023

Thirty-four miles of traffic lights, 

express lanes, and bumper-to-bumper.

Nineteen miles of road work, 

new home construction, and passing or being passed. 

Fifteen miles of open prairieland, 

a visible horizon, and the slow detoxification from city cares. 

Eleven miles of old town squares,

blinking yellow traffic lights, and the aroma of sweet grass drifting through my window. 

Five miles of two-lane highways, 

gravel roads, corn fields and cow pastures.

Fifteen hundred feet of a shallow creek, 

a ten-foot ranch gate, and a rocky driveway.

Seventy-three steps of a truck door closing, 

a farm dog running, and a front door opening. 

Ten steps to a warm embrace,

a savory smell in the air, and perfect peace of mind. 

One moment to remember, 

a place in the soul, and a treasure of the heart.  

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.