The Road
​
Sometimes. . .
We stand in the road.
We look ahead and behind,
seeking a bend.
Mist and tears cloud our vision;
we see no end.
The road ahead could
be straight and smooth, or
it could be steep and rock strewn.
Looking back, we see
shadows and echoes,
memories hewn.
We take a pause, a breath
an unquiet rest as
we try to decide
the direction that’s best.
Looking ahead
there are hurdles to jump
barriers to overcome;
possibilities and probabilities
toward which we eagerly run.
Where will we go?
Which fate we will claim,
Itself a mystery
Born a legacy full of pain
And grief unimaginable.
If we yet remain
Still in the road unmoved
Darkness will descend
Our spirit to rend.
Power it gains from immobile stasis
And yet. . .
A faint breeze stirs
tendrils of light that dance the shadows away.
Hope springs ever so small and with
wings of light do sway
whispering strength into battered souls
and tender hearts,
reminding us all to do our part.
Reaching for hope and holding it close,
we turn our eyes and peer through the fading haze,
tentatively leaning, stepping
Each step hard won
As we yearn toward better days.
by Katrina Hinson, June 2020 (c)