The Journey

 

Memories from long ago, unfaded,

Brought back when two souls touched yet again,

Gave light to one, a friend, unforgotten,

By which to take journey on an uncertain trail.

 

 

 

The traveler, a son — grief-stricken, burdened,

The second, a daughter — wise, kind, forgiving.

“Thou art royalty,” she gently whispered,

“And my prayers are with thee always.” ( 1 )

 

 

 

“I know that voice,” thought the traveler.

Tears fell like a deep-watering, life-giving rain.

“It is Mother’s ( 2 ) voice, heard through her daughter.”

Uplifted, courage taken, the son — a friend remembered —

Renewed his journey.

(1) Although the words were not the same, the ideas behind them were expressed to me by a close friend on the day the poem was written.

(2) Snow, Eliza R. (1804-1887), and McGranahan, James (1840-1907). “O My Father” [Musical composition]. Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985. Hymn 292, Verse 3. Mother refers to the belief that families constitute the order of Heaven for God and all of his children, and are therefore eternal.

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(c) Copyright 2006 William Mason. All rights reserved: The work titled "Renewal" (the poem directly above) may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without written permission from the author.