Verse Along the Way

walked down most of my roads, beginning to end.
seeing new things; feeling new feels; making new loves.
picking up the odd, the found, then giving most away.

my legs grow tired. arms broken yet strong.
heart full and then empty. soul weary then inspired.
new laughs. old friends. new hurts. old dreams.

would love to rest. would love to stop.
may I look back? is it safe? my body slows down.
a voice begins to whisper to me:

“best to pause just a moment.
close your eyes. breathe. take your time. breathe again.
rest if you must, but keep going.

there’s always more. more to live.
but it lies ahead: that way.” I hear the voice smile.
I open my eyes. I smile, too.