The Path

When I look back on my life, I see two things.
I see the shattered hopes and broken dreams.
Then as I turn back, I see something shining amongst the wreckage.
There in the dust by my feet I see something I discarded in my grief.
A simple cross, the simple reminder a friend gave me long ago.
A reminder that no matter how long it takes he was waiting for me.
And even now in my darkest hour, I cradle this small token as it guides me.
I know that no matter how far I go, no matter how far I stray it will show me the way.
This way is narrow and difficult to pass, it is blocked by many obstacles,
and people. jealous of my gift.
Many a time I have strayed into the alleyways and side doors hopping for easier passage.
Every time I became lost and confused,
and every time the thought of him brought me back to the path.
Now I walk the path again and I see dark figures crowding in around me,
with the air of death and damnation about them.
They are thin and sickly, for no substance can satisfy them.
They hunt day and night for another witless victim to feed upon.
Not a day has gone by that I have not seen them lurking in the shadows,
searching for a larger morsel.
Now they have come, come to face me,
"Follow us." They urge, "We will show you things you have only dreamed of!"
Now comes the choice, show the power or be consumed by the damned.
And so I show them the cross.
They recoil in fear and disgust calling me, ME, the evil one, the deceiver.
I just raise it higher and they attack,
Afraid I draw back, but even as they fall upon me they dissolve and disperse as mist.
Again I follow the narrow path, now there is a chasm on either side of the narrow causeway to salvation.
I walk amongst the lost, they wear blind folds and stand upon on the brink,
when I reach out to help they push me away and insist they can make it across without my help.
Again and again I try to no avail. God is my task in vain!?
It seems that no one will ever trust me, still I must try.
I follow the narrow path;
only one thing keeps me going, I cradle it even now.
My faith continues to guide me...