Rugged Path
Traveler's Guide to the Rugged Path
Millions tread the rugged path
as nomads groping in a murky mist
eyes and hands aloft; prayerful…hopeful.
Few chance upon a wondrous tree,
bearing on its ample boughs,
love; unconditional and sweet.
Sheltered safely in the shade
they cry out; pleading desperately
for their traveling companions.
Others come, unfamiliar, unwanted
yearning and desperate they approach
anxious to stay their weary journey.
Move along! Cry the few,
laying claim to the bounteous tree
defiantly taking post to defend.
A booming crack roars over the scene;
fire erupts from the heartwood
consuming all in mere moments.
A ghoulish smoky tendril
swirling ‘twixt the beggars and few
the sole, poisoned remnant of love, scorn.
Fingers of blame stab the smoke
traveler railing against traveler
drunk on wrath and indignation.
--------Elsewhere--------
Millions tread the rugged path,
as nomads groping in a murky mist
eyes and hands aloft, prayerful…hopeful.
Few chance upon a wondrous tree
bearing on its ample boughs,
love; unconditional and sweet.
Sheltered safely in the shade
they cry out; pleading desperately
for their traveling companions.
Others come, unfamiliar, unwanted
yearning and desperate they approach
anxious to stay their weary journey.
Come join us! Cry the few,
sharing wide the tree’s abundance
generously offering respite to all.
Quietly, the mist dissipates the scene
clarity of vision, and brotherhood
consume all in the clearing.
Love, shared without condition
accepts the unfamiliar, the unwanted
heals the weary, and poisoned.
It means forgiveness and compassion
from traveler to traveler
no matter how different their paths.
07/30/15
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