The Journey

I It all began so many years ago, his journey down the narrow winding path, and where it was to lead just fate could know as it would take him through life’s aftermath. The journey long and hard that he would face, through life’s unending laughter and its tears, and all the many dreams that he would chase, while navigating through life’s hopes and fears. And yet his expectations were so high at every juncture all along the trail; the ever optimist within stood by while using all the tools to his avail. He always felt that he had been so blessed, anticipating nothing but the best. II Anticipating nothing but the best as he set out upon this grueling trek; he looked upon the journey as a quest; a medal to be hung around his neck. At first the path was open and quite clear; the sun shone brightly, lighting up the way. He started walking forward without fear along the virgin trail without delay. The path was wide, with flowers it was lined, a bright array as far as eyes could see, and gentle azure skies brought peace of mind as birds above were singing in the tree. But far off in the distance looming wide, his path, with wall of trees, would soon collide. III His path, with wall of trees, would soon collide, and clouds began to form above his head; his trail becoming narrow, and beside the path the lovely flowers were all dead. Into a forest now the trail did lead with trees so tall that made him feel quite small; he suddenly found out that he must heed the bumps along his path lest he might fall. His thoughts became his own along the way; a solitude he learned now to enjoy, but in his mind his thoughts start to betray as loneliness within began its ploy. The journey was becoming quite intense as forest came to seem so very dense. IV As forest came to seem so very dense he realized that he was on his own; for first time since his journey did commence he looked around and felt so all alone. With creatures of the woods he formed a bond; together they would travel on this trail in front of them, yet seeing not beyond the trees ahead, path hidden by wood’s veil. Through forest dark they slowly forged ahead along the winding path while dodging stones; on lichen they were careful not to tread; traversing calmly through this trek’s unknowns. He came upon a clearing in the trees; a fork in winding path led to unease. V A fork in winding path led to unease as sweet young bird had joined him by his side; they chose the path that seemed the most to please continuing the journey unified. His dauntless obligations he fulfilled, commitments that he made while ‘tending school. When joined by two more birds the pair was thrilled along the path through forest’s vestibule. Continuing the trail they did proceed through forest green while seeking what they dreamed; forever moving forward without heed, yet hopeful journey wasn’t what it seemed. To greener fields the bird decreed to fly as three moved slowly on but wondered why. VI As three moved slowly on but wondered why, for them, the journey had to be this way; their winding path now seemed to magnify the darkness of the forest day by day. But soon a fox he met along the trail accompanied the trio on their quest; this vixen did his loneliness curtail with promises of hope that she expressed. The two young birds soon took off on their own thus leaving fox and him along the road to make their way through forest all alone, and with each other share life’s heavy load. Soon two young kits were walking in between along the winding path through forest green. VII Along the winding path through forest green it seems the trees are suddenly less dense, and blue sky up above can now be seen; this tiring journey feeling less intense. My daunting path now once again seems clear with fewer stumbling blocks along the way; a light in distant forest now appears this poet’s trek goes on without delay. I’ve always had high hopes through life’s extremes, been truly blessed, and always tried to please; and after all these years of chasing dreams I’m finally hearing whispers in the breeze. And as this journey through my life proceeds I’m always searching, seeking where it leads. September 7, 2019 As you know by now from the concluding sonnet, this Crown of Sonnets is the story of my journey through life. Each sonnet represents a different period of my life. I hope you enjoyed this story.