Facing life

by Dr Audrey Coatesworth from her book

'From Darkness to LIght'

I long to walk through a vale
Of grass and scented flowers
Hear and see a running stream
To wander for fragrant hours
I dream of blissful freedom
Of a time I must have known
As, in my imagination
These images are shown
Bringing hope and promise
Brightness for a dismal day
If only dreams were reality
And life was not this way
As the path is hard and rocky
With steps I did not choose
But there must be a purpose
That belief I must not lose

'Put one foot before another
Never waver, do your best
Look in front, walk ever on
Time's course will do the rest
Life is, for all, a journey
Have courage and be kind
Hurt not another any day
And a right way you will find'

'It is easy to speak those words
When you do not feel my pain
Nor my anguish or distress
You have nothing to lose or gain'

'On the contrary, I can feel
My eyes see and I hear all
But you, alone, must walk your path
Though, for you, my tears do fall
Believe me, when I tell you
Admiration fills my heart
The last few steps are the hardest
But then a new life can start’

Copyright A Coatesworth