The Man on the Way

Tired, I sat by the side of the road
Debating which way to take next.
Exhausted with running the race on my own
I wished for a human to help.

Then I saw a strong frame turn around the short bend,
Slowly making His way.
His form and His gait looked familiar to me.
I watched till He stood where I stayed.

He said He would help me if I'd like to go,
But the way we would take would be hard.
Something about the kind look in His eyes
Made me say yes from deep in my heart.

So He tucked my poor hand in His strong weathered arm
And lifted me onto my feet.
Together we moved down the long winding road
To the narrowest difficult street.

He carried me over the boulders and rocks
When the going got tricky and tough.
Sometimes He spoke words of courage and cheer,

His presence was always enough.

At last, at the end of a long winding bend
We saw a large palace of gold.
The sun lit its face like a bright cheery smile
As we hastened to enter its fold.

A proud beaming King stood tall at the gate
With arms open wide to receive.
I bowed down in wonder feeling totally small,

Thinking I probably should leave.

But He gave me a crown and said I was His
Though I wondered how that could have been.
Then I saw my Companion's nail-printed hands,
And I knew what He'd given to me.

I remembered the troubles we faced on the trail
As we traveled the long lonely way.
He said He would be there and know what to do.
I could trust Him to show me the way.

I remembered how robbers had run at my chest
And tried to pierce life out of me.
But He stood inbetween and the harsh, well-aimed blows
Pierced the skin on His hands and His feet.

I hated to watch and tried hard to fix,
The damage I knew to be done.
But He kindly smiled and said it was fine.
He'd do it for one of His own.

I felt very safe as we traveled the road
To the palace He said was His home.
And I'm glad He came with me and showed me the Way.
Or I'd still be wandering alone.