The Solitary Road

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The Solitary Road

******************

I have never walked this winding path before,

Nor known what secrets wait on either shore.

Before my eyes, the dusty road extends,

Into the mist where sight and distance ends.

***

Upon the clay, deep footprints mark the ground,

Where time keeps watch in silence all around.

Before my time, through shadows and through light,

Unknown spirits walked into the night.

***

Through steep ascents and rocks that bruise the feet,

Past rusted iron spikes and blinding heat,

I wander slow, with parched and burning lips,

As sweat like drink from weary fingers drips.

***

So many narrow lanes and shortcuts hide,

Yet not a single sign to act as guide.

But a weathered stone, worn down by wind and rain,

Whispers to me amidst the steady pain:

***

"The feet that climbed the mountain's highest peak,

Will never fear the valleys, low and bleak."

Some paths were paved with glitter, wealth, and praise,

Some promised love to brighten weary days.

***

Some left their dreams beside the roadside dust,

While others carried burdens out of trust.

Each chose a road that only they could tread,

And paid the price for every step ahead.

***

For on this road, I walk completely lone-

A solitary pilgrim to the unknown.

No passing stranger comes from up ahead,

To warn of dangers where my feet must tread.

***

No welcoming inns appear to grant me rest,

No flowing streams to cool a burning chest.

Though now and then another walks nearby,

Our roads converge beneath the selfsame sky.

***

We share a smile, a burden, or a song,

Yet each must bear the miles that are our own.

The hands we hold must someday slip away,

While memories linger when they cannot stay.

***

When exhaustion breaks my stride and blinds my eyes,

Green, vivid islands in my dreams arise-

An oasis of shade, a momentary gleam,

That fades to smoke, a cruel and passing dream.

***

I've known the weight of hopes reduced to sand,

Of broken promises I could not understand.

Yet every stumble carved a deeper grace,

And every scar became a teacher's trace.

***

The storms that stripped my pride and bent my will

Left roots that held me standing, stronger still.

In youthful haste I sought the highest hill,

Believing strength alone could bend the will.

***

But seasons taught what eager hearts ignore:

The longest roads reveal the traveler more.

The dreams that changed were not all dreams denied;

Some simply found a better path to guide.

***

Yet waking up, I force my feet to track,

And when I pause to cast a glance look back,

I see only my steps upon the stone...

And feel a truth that chills me to the bone.

***

Unknowingly, I follow someone's trace,

And someone follows me, though face-to-face

We'll never meet upon this shifting sand.

We share the road, but never hold a hand.

***

Perhaps a child will someday walk this way,

Or one I've never known another day.

He'll see no face, nor hear my passing name,

Yet find some courage from the steps I claim.

***

As I have walked where others walked before,

So others too shall walk forevermore.

With only dark and light to keep me company,

I walk because there is no turning back for me.

***

I move ahead, untamed and unaligned...

And looking at you, traveler, so do you, I find

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