A Vagabond Paper Cross. Poem by Mai Murphy Venn

A vagabond am I, as I walk the lonely road,
All I own are the tatters treads I have on, no load.
In my upper coat pocket, I carry a paper cross.
It reminds me of all my love once, and the loss.

This winding path of life I have chosen to go.
In all kinds of weather, sun. rain and snow.
My paper cross I cherish. I had it all my life.
It has been a comfort during sorrow and strife.

Winkled and faded, worn out to the last.
Faith is my reward as I look back on my past.
For I am a vagabond without a penny to my name.
Jesus is there for me; he loves me all the same.

So, my paper cross is no load to carry on my way.
Trailing the wandering, turning roads as I go each day.
He is with me all the time, by my side, never to stray.
Loneliness is my choice, but with him I chat and pray.

When it is the end for me, and I must go wherever.
My paper cross will disintegrate, go, gone forever.
It served me well, down through the years.
I would hold it close to me when I said my prayers.

It is only paper, but it is worth its weight in gold to me.
Because it is a symbol of the cross on Calvary.
In my upper coat pocket, I carry a paper cross.
It reminds me of all my love once, and their loss.