The Way Poem by Dean Bottomley

Today I stood on Cheese Foot Head
And looked towards the sea.
I cast my eye across the land
That lay twixt there and me.

At first it just went gently down
A wide path, smooth and clear.
But after that I could not see:
Was it of joy or fear?

I could so quickly reach the shore
Touch little on my way.
Pass through the tide to other side
Too quick though, some might say.

My route could be a twisting one
To left and right might stray.
The journey slow to water’s edge
But pleasures on the way.

We do not know our way through life
It might be quick and short.
If it be so we must be sure
We did not live for naught.

With luck life’s journey will be long
With ups and downs and turns.
With tears and joys for many years
A lengthy sweet sojourn.

We touch so many on our way
And they touch us also.
We leave a little of ourselves
As on our way we go.

If we are blessed, as on we go,
To have one by our side:
To share the trip, to share a smile,
And love perhaps confide.

We cannot know, we cannot tell
The path that we will take.
But should I reach the sea real soon
My heart it will not ache.

For I have walked some splendid lanes,
And owe an awesome debt.
My journey such a sweeter time
Because of all I’ve met.

I hope in part I have returned
Some happiness as well
Then I can lay my head to rest
And say I journeyed well.