o shift the hunter's attention toward the "fearless" dog. As the hunter sets off to prove his own fearlessness, Phoenix goes for the coin. "She was slowly bending forward by that time (162)." She gradually bows and places the coin in her apron. As Jackson slowly lifts her body, she notices a bird flying above her. "Her lips moved. God watching me the whole time. I come to stealing (162)." She realizes that God is watching her sin. The culpable woman boldly faces the man, ready to admit her guilt. After a few moments, Phoenix concludes that the hunter is clueless of her thievery so the witty woman subtly confesses to the man: "I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I done," (162)." Phoenix hobbles along, happy about the shiny nickel in her pocket, yet unsure of why she needs or wants it. Although Phoenix's deteriorating memory keeps her from knowing why she is making the journey, her determination surpasses her uncertainty. The strong-willed woman has overcome every obstacle that nature has put across her path. "Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites....Keep the big wild hogs out of my path. Don't let none of those come running my direction. I got a long way (159)." She bravely warns the animals to keep out of her way. When the hunter tells her to go home, she firmly states that she is going to town, not home. "I bound to go to town, mister," said Phoenix. "The time come around (161)." The hunter mistakenly concludes that the old woman is going to town to see Santa. Phoenix does not know why she is going to town either, but that does not keep her from getting there. Even though the trail is treacherous for someone her age, she is determined to get where she has to go. Phoenix's purpose is to get medication for her grandson who swallowed lye a few years earlier. "Old Phoenix Jackson makes her journey on "The Worn Path" to fetch the "soothing medicine" for her little grandson (DLB 526). When Phoenix re...
