The Road

THE ROAD The road ahead is long; it’s also wide ‘T has all the promises of a fulfilling ride That need not mean that you speed along Like those who the meandering highways throng Create your own pace; it’s your ride after all When to start or stop; it’s your own call Yet, don’t lose control, but focus ahead Tread over the bumps and stop when it’s red Learn the rules as you drive and maintain the pace Respect the signals, but steer your own race Watch out for dangers in people and places And revel in the beauty of wide open spaces At times, it’d be good to stop and take stock Unnecessary baggage, unload and unlock Turn back and look; take in what is past And ensure that you have the power to last At times the path may be dangerously rough But remember that you are sturdy enough; and tough And that you have, in your hands, the power to steer Through tempests and hazards that the multitudes fear In those times and places, when the weather is fine And, on what lies ahead, the sun does brilliantly shine Accelerate the tempo and drum your fingers As you enjoy the beauty for as long as it lingers Whatever it is; and wherever you go Remember what you are and what you know Of all you’ve seen and what you have yet to see Of what you are and what you can ultimately be So that, when, for one last time, the brakes you apply You can, at last, exclaim with a final sigh “The journey’s been great; ‘tis been a wonderful drive That has made me blessed for being so alive!”