The Elder tells of the Road

So I don't normally do this but since I tend express myself with words I feel that it is best to share this side of my life with the limited audience of my blog. I don't do this comfortably and I don't know that there is quality to such my work (you be the judge) but all the same here it is.



The Elder tells of the Road.

I came to an Elder, a withered old man
And with him shared bread and wine.
In response to my gift he shared with me his heart
And I told him the struggles of mine.

“Tell me much of the road less traveled, good sir.
Tell me all of its twists and its turns.
For a deep curiosity has grabbed my poor heart,
And a great wanderlust within me burns.’

‘Tell me more of that harsh narrow path that you’ve walked,
Tell me all of the dark ways that stray.
What gain do I have in such a life and pursuit?
What would I lose if I stay?”

The tiny old man stared at me for an age,
The weight of his glance could be felt.
When my eyes met his own I realized quite soon,
With such a gaze I never had dealt.


“I shall tell you of a road that I know all too well,
One that few in this life ever choose.
And as to your hearts fire let it grow and burn,
Let it never be that flame that you lose.’

‘And of that old path you shall hear all your fill,
And to your queries I’ll answer all that is heard.
Question not either gain nor loss, nor pain
Question only your will and your word.’

‘For you claim a love of the untamed road,
And a passion for the unventured path.
Yet your journey thus far has followed no such way.
And you are haunted with regret’s wicked wrath.’

‘So tell me not of your hopes nor of your dreams
Tell me all that you have feared to do.
And from your tales I can share both a road and a path,
And to them your heart may be true.’

‘For it is in such fear that we find great hope,
And in weakness that we may find strength.
And when all is made new, and the road is behind
You will find it was well worth its length.’

‘Great sacrifice exists along that path, that road
And few will join you on your way,
But those who arrive may remain by your side,
And you might see them on that final day.’

‘So venture forth unto the road, the path you so fear,
And with every step leave your doubts all behind.
For as you go on you will know which is the good path,
As the footsteps you follow are mine.’

‘You will see where I’ve wandered, from that difficult road
You will see where I’ve marched myself back.
And know that you’ll wander, as all journeymen do.
But you remember the way to the path.’

‘Loss will befall you, every step of the way.
As will sorrow, suffering and pain.
But what there is still after the great trials have passed.
Will be counted for all as pure gain.’

‘Go on my young friend for the journey all lies ahead
Go on and discover those fields and lands,
Let your feet grow weary, worn and weak,
And let your trials be shown in your hands.’

‘Let them show where you’ve fallen and gotten back up,
Let them show that you worked all the way.
Let them be rough from your labor, and one thing yet
Let them pull others up on the way.”

I shed a great tear as I left the Elder behind,
His wise words ring still in my heart.
For it is a terrible weight and decision to make:
The decision to go now, to start.



This markes the end of the poem I hope you made it this far.

-matt