The Valley Way

 

I asked before and time again

Which way to freedom’s road?

The valley way is what they say

I shake my head in doubt

 

That road is bumpy, rough and strewn

With rocks and boulders causing pain

They break and crush the weary feet

That dare to tread the spiral down

 

Besides all that it seems to lead

Opposed to what I want

Freedom is the other way

A peaceful cloudless place

 

The valley way it stretches out

Its shadows dark and long

With twists and turns beyond my sight

I’m assured it will not end

How can it lead to freedom?

Or anywhere that’s good?

 

I’ve tried to circle ‘round the path

But it brought me back to face

The valley way, which stretches long

Whose shadows can’t erase

A trembling fear that mounts within

As I begin along the way

 

The valley way begins quite rough

And gets a bit more dark

For those who travel must also face

The test of their own fear

A willingness to look inside

And choose to never run

Instead to boldly walk the way

Assured of where it leads

 

The road to freedom’s along the way

That stretches deep and dark

Those who travel know for sure

That it is the way that’s marked

 

The path is sure amazingly

Though by sight it seems not so

For one who loves has crafted it

Especially for me

He knows the twists and turns I’ll take

He’s planned them thoughtfully

He stands beside and reaches out

With hands that steady me

 

Occasionally he sends along

A fellow traveler

One who knows or just who cares

To keep me company

They cannot walk the way for me

Nor should they ever try

But as companions they provide

Assurance that I need

I am not lost

I’m on my way

The journey’s all I need

 

I’ve not arrived at freedom’s door

Someday I hope I shall

But in that time

The valley way has taught me many things

Its darkened shadows lighten some

I can a beauty see

I would have missed it earlier

Except for company

I’m not afraid to travel now

I understand the way

 

I’ve not arrived at freedom’s door

Someday I hope I shall

But in that time

The valley way has taught me many things

jml
11-27-2000