I see that you are ready
Backpack on
Water-bottle filled
Compass clipped to your belt loop
That look in your eyes
That believes the world is yours to conquer
No fear
No regrets
Only anticipating the glory of the climb
You are ready to walk away
But here is a map
You don’t think you need it, I know
The path is clearly marked
Signs posted
Lookout areas clear
Some even have benches so you can rest
But the path is always changing
And I have circled areas that are worth leaving the path for
I know you want to do this alone
That you are ready to walk away
I know
I’ve done this climb
I’ve got the scars to prove it
Even though the path is only wide enough for one
You don’t have to climb alone
I’ll conquer this mountain again
To be there to help as the gravel moves under your foot
Your hands bracing your fall
Feeling the pain as the pebbles dig into your palms
Maybe even drawing blood
I will be there to make sure you don’t slip down the path
Having to cover the steps again
Because sometimes the tricky spots
Keep making us stumble
Over
And
Over
And
Over
Simply because we are alone
The view from the top is beautiful
But somehow more magical when you share it
Be it with one or twenty people
I know you want to walk away
That your youth craves the adventure
That I would slow you down
For my legs are tired from all the treks I’ve traveled
But there are lookouts
Where I can rest while you adventure off the path
Finding your own adventures
But always together
We can climb
And share the view
And the pride of conquering this mountain
Because there will come a time when my legs won’t carry me
When you will even need to rest
On a bench to watch your own son
Walk away...
