A Hard Road

A Trip To Journey's End

Dreaming of new places and fresh faces,

He took a road he had not seen before.

It was a narrow road with twists and turns

And stones and holes that slowed his pace.

Soon a wintery wind began to blow.

Then the road before him rose up so steep

That he began to climb much more than walk.

His breath grew short, his legs protested much.

Each step wore down his hope, his dream did fade.

 

Stopping began to seem so wise but no,

He would not stop along the way. Not now.

He had to see what lay at this road’s end.

He would not submit to this bitter road,

This angry path that fought to hold him back,

And hide the riches that lay just beyond

On the other side of the next tall hill.

 

So on and on he went. Step after step.

Up he climbed until at last he did win.

Tired of the fight, the road at last gave in.

The path grew soft, his pain indeed did stop.

Spread before him were lush fields of splendor.

His soul did sing, his spirit took to wing.

 

“So tell me, road,” he asked, “why did you fight

 So hard and long to keep me from my quest?”

 

“Because an easy road leads but to death.

Things worth having are only earned by work.

The easy road is not worth traveling.”

 

The traveler then smiled as he turned to

Behold the wonders of a journey’s end.

 

         © 2016 Stanley R. Teater

             All rights reserved

Reviews

[goddessofwriting]

I love the second-last stanza (as I´m guessing many others do too :) ). This poem demonstrates just how perseverance can bring about the best of reward;´things worth having are only earned by work. The easy road is not worth traveling.´

Flows beautifully, truly an inspiring poem.

Cheers,

- G.W.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Stanley.
“Because an easy road leads but to death.
Things worth having are only earned by work.
The easy road is not worth traveling.”
The above lines are lifetime wisdom to be loved by. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Dr. Ryan Nolte]

Excellent! Very nice metaphor for life and the journey we all face.

[Jenny Leigh]

Never take the easy road, it will lead you the wrong way every time. Wonderful poem.

[Valentine]

Wonderful truths in this long walk through life. My dad taught us kids the work ethic. All 9 worked and manage to pay their own way. Free of debt, not looking for a handout. Many of our vets are in terrible shape, they need more counseling to help them overcome their pain. Your write has set my mind off in all directions. Sorry. Valentine

[costa siwale]

An amazing encouragement my friend..indeed, the hard road is worth the travel.

[wordman]

sounds like a road through life stanley,long and hard