Narrow Road

Look, kid. I recognize those shoes.

I've walked in them before.

Actually, those shoes were mine once.

They're hand-me-downs, gently used.

I'm walking this road, too,

But I'm a little further down.

If you squint, you can probably see me

Next to the yield sign on the left.

What I'm trying to say is

That you're not doing this alone.

I promise to always be within reach.

You know my cell phone

Number.

I can't stand right there with you,

Underneath the busted light post

That's swinging precariously

Like something recently dead,

But I've left some footprints

In the dusty road

And hope that you use them

To guide you on ahead.
Just know that I'm always here
If there's ever a great wind that
Blows the dust up into your eyes
So that you can't see my footprints.
 

I've made mistakes all along this road.

Try to see them and give them a wide berth,

But if you can't,

Know that I won't say anything.

I'll keep your confidences.
There are also tear stains
That have left tracks in the dirt.
I know they're not pretty.
They're not supposed to be.
Sometimes this road hurts.
Don't be afraid to add to them;
This road wouldn't be ours
Without them.

There's no right way or wrong way

To navigate this road we share,

But see each foot print like an open hand,

Extending across the space between us.

This road ties us together,

Even though we seem far apart.

So we'll travel this road through this strange land;

I'll scout on ahead

While we walk, hand in hand.