If only He would ease my pain
And grant me true salvation,
I'd promise him my soul to gain
And join his congregation.

The snow produced a gentle cloud;
A white concealing curtain.
The earth was cloaked in winter's shroud
And made my steps uncertain.

The moon was full and lit my way
As through the snow I stumbled
The world seemed cold and far away.
My life felt doomed and crumbled.

I climbed a steep and wooded knoll
And there across a clearing
I viewed a sight that chilled my soul
And saw that it was nearing.

For there upon the pristine snow
I saw ten steps approaching.
Just ten steps bathed in eerie glow
With no one's foot encroaching.

I wondered how this came to be,
This foreign apparition.
For all I saw was mystery;
A play upon my vision.

Why was this scene revealed to me
On such a lifeless morning?
Was it a sign of prophecy
Or was it meant as warning?

Was ten the number God decreed
To sum up my salvation?
Or were these steps the Devil's deed,
To lead me toward damnation?

But as I pondered well this sight
My fears grew less oppressing.
And all around a saintly light
Did glow with Holy blessing.

Then suddenly they disappeared;
These steps before my vision.
And as they left my thoughts had cleared
And gave me my new mission.

I knew His hand had smoothed my brow
From worldy pain and torment
And, thus, to Him I take this vow
To serve His will and judgement.