I walk the twisting, turning road, A dream fills up my heart. My backpack holds its heavy load Placed there at the start. I climb the ever steep'ning hills, Exhaustion takes it toll. Anticipating endless thrills And company for my soul. At last it looms ahead of me, The bridge that I must cross. And once across, what will I be? And can I bear the loss? Once there I see the other side, But what now holds me back? Can it be my foolish pride, Or worse yet, what I lack? I throw the backpack on the ground And leave it laying there, Knowing now that what I've found Has worth without compare. The rest is easier than I thought, A destiny fulfilled. Finding what I long have sought, All inhibitions stilled. Now a smile lights up my face, Contentment fills my soul. I crossed the bridge and found my place, The place that makes me whole. -Paul Rowley