Celebrating Past & Future

We look back to forge ahead -
pausing on the trail
to catch our breath.
Fellow travelers gather 'round,
some joined just now,
some footsore and travel-worn
but grinning through the grit.
Some wounded souls gasp for air,
hands on knees and heads bent low;
stragglers trudge in clouds of dust,
streaked faces still aglow.
The trail winds back
through scrub and pine,
down rock-strewn gullies,
o'er rivers wide.
We recall the boulders -
seemingly impossible to scale,
the triumphs hard won
and setbacks enough to challenge
even the hardiest of souls.
We marvel yet at answered prayers,
moments of beauty unparalleled:
echoing canyons, skies achingly blue,
vistas stretched like oil-painted canvas
incredibly huge.

On the trail ahead
we see throngs to be,
cheerful hikers in twos and threes
embarking on side paths
surrounded by trees;
outsiders welcomed to hearth and home,
warmed and nourished to fuller bloom,
befriended and valued as unique boons.
We envision friends yet unknown,
who'll come alongside;
those we can encourage and
lead and inspire.
We hope for calm weather
but pack up rain gear,
realistic but hopeful
for the upcoming year.