The Road

The Road was written as a farewell piece of advice to students who were leaving high school and I felt it was appropriate to print it out on T-shirts that would serve as souvenirs as they made their individual journeys on the road of life. Hopefully, they have found it - still find it - inspirational.


THE ROAD

The road ahead is long; it’s also wide
‘T has all the promises of a fulfilling ride
That need not mean that you speed along
Like those who the meandering highways throng

Create your own pace; it’s your ride after all
When to start or stop; it’s your own call
Yet, don’t lose control, but focus ahead
Tread over the bumps and stop when it’s red

Learn the rules as you drive and maintain the pace
Respect the signals, but steer your own race
Watch out for dangers in people and places
And revel in the beauty of wide open spaces

At times, it’d be good to stop and take stock
Unnecessary baggage, unload and unlock
Turn back and look; take in what is past
And ensure that you have the power to last

At times the path may be dangerously rough
But remember that you are sturdy enough; and tough
And that you have, in your hands, the power to steer
Through tempests and hazards that the multitudes fear

In those times and places, when the weather is fine
And, on what lies ahead, the sun does brilliantly shine
Accelerate the tempo and drum your fingers
As you enjoy the beauty for as long as it lingers

Whatever it is; and wherever you go
Remember what you are and what you know
Of all you’ve seen and what you have yet to see
Of what you are and what you can ultimately be

So that, when, for one last time, the brakes you apply
You can, at last, exclaim with a final sigh
“The journey’s been great; ‘tis been a wonderful drive
That has made me blessed for being so alive!”