The Journey

a poem by Maryse Saldanha

I walk through space not a soul can I see
The sun hits my eye, I try not to weep

A long way to go, could’ve I skipped this turn
It was joy and fun, now I wish I could avoid this run

Then a beautiful path, smiling faces around to see
The memory gives pleasure, ’twas a happy time to be

Time to move then came, excited and eager I proceed
A new path ahead, I look forward new faces to see

A void all around me exists, I try from it to break free
I find not any way out, frantic and lost I be

I move on uneasy, eager for this stretch to end
But the path continues to unfold bend after bend

I am ready to give up, each step seems a mile
Weary I fall, unable to face the trial

Is this the end? Such could it be?
Unimaginable unfair to the traveller be

I try shut the world away and out of my mind
So be it to me now as fate has designed

As I now accept, I’m lifted off the ground
High up to the skies, high up to the sun

Rolls before my eyes now all that has been
I see now from above all that I had failed to see

The birds in the air, the squirrel in the bush
And beyond them all eager faces on me hook

I open my eyes and rise up from the ground
Renewed and sensitive with the journey get on

The space closes on me yet, I gather new strength
The journey continues here, it doesn’t end