The Long Road Home

2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 8 Poetry Contest// Sponsored by: Mark Toney 
( 7th Place ) 

Written: August 16, 2025 


I have carried myself through miles of silence,
where the wind speaks louder than memory
and the ground keeps every secret.
I thought I had put out of sight.

A child’s laughter drifting through twilight,
the scent of rain that lingers like prayer,
and shadow in hand now behind my reach,
These are the pieces I collected along the way.

There are nights when the stars lean dazzling like lanterns strung across the dark,
showing the way about something unfinished,
something I swore to myself long ago.

The road teaches in whispers,
that regret has weight,
that love outlasts distance,
that every fall can still be a beginning.

I do not count the miles anymore.
I measure them in heartbeats,
in the quiet mercy of mornings
in the truth that waits at every turning.

And when I reach the place
where the horizon bends into light,
I will know I have not been running away,
but running toward—
the long road home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 8/21/2025 8:46:00 AM
Dear Rowena, congratulations for your success in Mark’s contest with your beautiful poem of the appreciation for the journey where challenges, rewards and realizations are embraced and savored. I was especially struck by “the scent of rain that lingers like prayer” -amazing! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/21/2025 4:48:00 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words and warm wishes.
Date: 8/19/2025 8:33:00 PM
Rowena, love your inspiring poetry that takes us along a healing journey of self-realization. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 8 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 9 has already started.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/19/2025 10:34:00 PM
Thank you so much!I’ll definitely keep my running shoes on and pour my heart into Mile 9. Your support means the world!
Date: 8/18/2025 4:33:00 AM
Dear Rowena,this is such a moving poem—quietly powerful and full of grace. The way you carry us through silence, memory, and the weight of regret, only to arrive at love and light, feels both tender and triumphant. I especially love the lines about measuring the journey in heartbeats and the truth that waits at every turning—they linger beautifully...Hugs
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/18/2025 5:10:00 AM
Thank you dearly for your touching words. Your reflection brings such light and encouragement. Hugs back with warmth!
Date: 8/16/2025 9:41:00 PM
My mere words world fail to capture the beauty of this poem, Rowena. A Fave for me. Thank you so much. ~ Trails and Pathways, Gershon
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/17/2025 8:40:00 AM
Thank you deeply, Gershon.Your kind words uplift me,
Date: 8/16/2025 5:56:00 PM
wow, Rowena. Your poem was a subtly beautiful description of a journey...one filled with insight and emotion. Your words resonated with me, and I'm grateful for your poetic voice, hugs, Sara
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/17/2025 8:39:00 AM
Thank you so much, Sara. It's such a gift to share this journey through poetry together. Hugs back
Date: 8/16/2025 10:05:00 AM
Beautiful poetry Ro. We're all on a journey. For me home will be here, on planet earth, under Jesus' benevolent thousand year rule of restoration
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/16/2025 10:07:00 AM
Thank you so much! Yes, we truly are all on a journey, and what a beautiful hope you’ve shared. That vision of restoration under Jesus’ reign is such a comforting promise.
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