Everyone through life must journey,

following roads both narrow and wide;

If he travels far enough, finds slippery

slopes as well as dizzying heights.

Every life has turnings, windings

through the nightfall and through light;

beasts sojourn, prowl in our forests,

but landmarks guide, restore our sights.

Every man will sometimes falter,

struggling vainly while ensnared;

mired in bogs, in grime and terror,

needing but his burden shared.

Hillcrests give each man perspective,

show his route from all directions;

give one views behind, beyond, and

point the way to new horizons.

                first published on The Illinois State Poetry Society website

©2007 Bonnie Manion