Journeys

Stumbling on the ragged path,
Faltering steps grow weary,
Daylight fades as strength gives way,
Falling, tumbling to sleep.

Awaken by a bird's bright song,
Struggling to my knees,
Ahead the road is worn,
Crawling, hurting I resume.

Bloody tears on torn up clothes,
Cuts upon my skin,
Battered, beaten, rising now to stand,
A quiet hope begins to grow.

Eager now I move along,
Much faster than before,
I see ahead my journey's end,
A happy smile, a warm embrace.