…ten days hence.

A better ending?

May 07, 2023

I thought “Dad’s Journey Home” required one final, more appropriate post before the new journey started on May 19th.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

this path we begin, now

this path we begin, now,
is uncharted by any mortal
yet has been walked by all those
who have gone before;
their tracks hidden.

if we could talk to our ancestors
and ask them to show us the way,
to save us from heartache and pain,
to make the way easier (they, 
having gone before, now knowing
of the way),
i believe they would say:

“why would we do that
and rob you of all that gives your life
meaning and joy?
we have walked this path before you,
yes,
but have burned the maps we made of it.
our moments are not your moments
so our path was always different,
though if you removed some dust
you’d see our footprints there, 
under your own reluctant soles. 

travel on now, without us, yet
knowing we are always with you.
live each moment fully
and not know the step to take 
next.
it likely would be off the path anyway
if you tried to go just there. 
rather, allow each moment to arrive of its own—
it will anyway—
and welcome it as you would 
a thick and warm blanket on a cold and grey day,
or that unexpected guest bearing unseen gifts. 

then take the step.

create your own map, too,
as you go along; 
it is wise to remember from whence you came.
but do not forget to burn it
when you reach the destination
you too will never arrive at. 

you’ll still have one more uncharted step to take,
and no one else could use your map 
anyway.”