Still on the Path
People think of life in many ways
or don’t think at all.
Life.
What is it?
Something everyone knows but cannot describe.
They say it is like this
or like that.
Metaphors
replace what one feels and knows but can’t articulate.
For me life is a long path on which I travel
now
always
until it ends.
Sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, always changing.
Looking back the path shows wonderful views but
the future
disappears around a bend.
In my childhood I travelled a crowded loving family path
which gradually
quietly
slowly
became my own.
Sometimes my path was more learning than progress
more failures than successes
but always exciting and addictive.
It was lonely until one day my love appeared
his path joined mine and our wide path became another
crowded
laughing
loving
family
road.
Sometimes our path climbed
through rough and hurtful places
but always we
re-grouped
and moved on.
There came a day when the children were grown
exploring their own paths
living their own lives
coming back often to visit the home path.
My love and I are getting old, the path seems steeper.
We stop to look down the mountain to our path below and reminisce.
I close my eyes to rest and feel him move.
Awaking, I see him slowly walking down the path
towards the bend.
Calling out, I scramble to my feet to follow.
He stops
gives his mischievous grin
waves
and walks on
around the bend and out of sight.
When I round the bend he is gone.
His path stops
mine leads on.
The years roll by.
Once again I am alone.
My path struggles through rough patches but
encouraged by loving family and friends I move on.
Stopping to rest
looking back down the mountain I see my old path far below.
The vistas are clear, familiar, dear.
Tears fill my eyes, sadness and joy flood my heart.
I trudge on.
Perhaps
beyond that bend
my path
will finally reach
its rightful
peaceful
end.
Dedicated to Rod, our patient Creative Writing Class leader
who believes that everyone can (or should) write poetry!
Mom, that is beautiful… thank you.
Lorna – I am so glad you like it! I am an accidental poet and it may never happen again, but found it helpful to do this one.
I cried as I read this. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
Joyce
Joyce – I’m counting the weepers, my dear. Do hope that it means you enjoyed it too. A confession – I can only cry when I am furious at someone, and that does not happen often. It might be easier on me if I could cry when I am pleased or even grieving – I’ll work on that. Thank you for your reply.
I’m not quite ready to walk around that bend yet, but I empathize with the business of being able to look down the mountain and see the path we’ve travelled far below.
Jim T
Jim – I’m not ready yet either! Perhaps the trick is to be pleasantly surprised when one rounds the bend at what turns up!
O.K., so Rod was right !
Wonderful, Mom. Thank you!
Ralph – This one seemed to reach home to the “kids”. Perhaps it might remind many of their own paths. Good to hear your opinion.
Yup, Rod gets points! Lovely job….the kind of poetry I enjoy!
Mary – Glad I hit your kind of poetry. First time for everything, and I enjoyed the challenge.
You described the path that many of us are taking as God prepares us to go around the bend in the road. Thank you Marjorie, for your insight and clarity. Jack
Jack – It is always nice when someone connects with what I have tried to express. Thank you for your comments.
Hi Marjorie,
Always, always your writing speaks to me. I treasure each post. Indeed, all of us struggle and tears flow but you inspire.
Your pragmatic approach to recent challenges reminds me of Mom..when a friend said to her” how do you do it, Ruth?” She replied “one step at a time.”
We will endeavor to follow in your footsteps.
Love,
Leone
Leone – If my attempt at poetry reminds you of your mother, I am delighted. Ruth was my friend for a very large chunk of my life. I met her the year you were born. She enjoyed life, and gave to all she met. Thank you for your love and support.
Marjorie – I just returned from a Women’s retreat in Sundre. We talked of influences in our lives. For me, I feel I am blessed by knowing many wise people – you being ONE of them. You continue to inspire me, and mentor me – from when I was a young child – right up to today as I read your poem. Made me cry as well – but then, as you may well know, I’m a “crier”. Alison
Alison – I’m about to go to bed, and checked my email. Hearing from you made a lovely ending to my day, even if you did cry. Seriously, I am very glad that you like it. I remember when you were a little girl, and how both families celebrated the first time you were able to stay all night at our place. Usually I had to take a weepy little tyke all the long way across the alley to her home about 10 PM!
Marjorie, this is really beautiful. Thank you for inviting me to read and take part in your private writings.
Love
Eleanor
Eleanor – What a pleasure for me to see your name show up with a comment on my blog. I am very pleased that you enjoyed reading it. We can discuss it more when we meet at church. Your input will be appreciated. Marjorie