The Road Finally Traveled

I believe we have a path to follow,
One that must be traversed.
Some may call this fate, perhaps destiny.
It may not be the one that provides all we wish,
Nevertheless, experience comes from its sometimes cruel hand.
I have traveled that road; promising at first glance.
Soon after, I discovered it was bleak--a lie.
Never finding true love, but receiving great joy,
In the births of my children--five in all.
I watched them grow and had hope for their future.
Would they yearn for a special love, missing what they crave the most?
Once their children are raised, will they be left with the one who enraptured their heart,
And placed them on a billowy, protective cloud?
Or will they, too, become a hollowed vessel?
Those disquieting thoughts plagued my mind.
I saw the years of my youth slip away, without concern.
Not knowing any better, I became comfortable in my inner misery.
Then one day, my prayers were answered.
The barbed wire that surrounded my heart corroded.
I felt free to breathe, hope, and take control of my world.
I took a chance, believing in the spiritual connection that was calling to me.
It was okay to make a change, though the apprehension was intense.
There could be no bliss by remaining stagnant--paralyzed in thought; lacking in action.
Today I know the happiness that was so long postponed.
I thank God for bringing me to him and him to me.
You see, we both now share in the other’s warm heart and spiritual soul.
Life is beautiful once more!
If youth belongs only to the young,
How then have I found my personal fountain of youth?


(36 lines)