Inner Journey

by Roy K Austin
(Dorset England)

I felt the strain of getting older -
which way to proceed and how far,
needing to see from the highest boulder
to take a bearing from a scar,
for on my back a lifetime
like a heavy pack
made the miles seem endless ;
and all along, the body
weak, the spirit strong, strong
in seeing, as beyond the veil,
like a prodigal son
following the ruts of an ancient trail :

As earth must return to light
so must I return, or die.