and to all of the members of
the Knitters Review Forum
who have tirelessly supported me on this journey
By: Georgia Porter
March 22,2004
I stand alone at the crossroad as the shadows of twilight grow long around me.
I check the map I've been given again and again,
Praying that I am lost, misguided, confused, anything....
to avoid the dark and twisted path that lies before me now.
Tears well up as yet again the map confirms my fate.
The road stares back at me unblinking, taunting me...
Daring me to take the first step on the journey.
The journey begins as they all do...
One timid step into the darkness with an unknown end.
Is it my own fear or the darkness that prevents even the smallest glimpse around the first bend in the road?
It doesn't matter as I trudge slowly, one foot in front of another,
uphill, alone and afraid heading towards an unknown fate.
Every shadow, every hill, every bend along the path brings its own new set if fears, perils, horrors, indignities and pain.
Worn out from the journey, I stop to rest and ponder the road that still lies ahead.
The map that led me to the road I walk stops at its edge, so now I journey through the darkness of uncharted territory.
I seriously consider retreat but I am afraid to return after traveling so far.
After all of this, what if the end of the journey is just over the next hill or around the next curve?
Footsteps approaching, fast and heavy, interrupt my thoughts.
Voices call out...Pleading, searching...is there a child lost on this dark and lonely road?
I cry out in fear as one of the voices and the footsteps converge into one shape in front of me.
A strong, warm hand takes mine and a kind voice reassures me.
"Don't be afraid. I have found you at last. You will not make this journey alone."
Fear is replaced by relief as the companionship I once shunned becomes a welcome partner on this dark night.
Refreshed and comforted, I begin my travels anew.
At each turn and twist in the path, at the low spots where the way is rough and steep and the horrors hidden by darkness reveal themselves in all their grusome glory...
I take comfort and strength from the one who stands beside me.
Those who have walked the road before also wait in the shadowy recesses.
They reach out with loving words and hands to encourage,
to tell me the trouble spots that lie ahead,
to carry me over the places where my strength fails me as others once carried them.
Softly spoken words of love and courage are the beacons of light that guide me along the road I must travel.
I still have no clue where this road will lead, how long the journey will last,
or even what new terror might lie just around the next bend.
I am no longer afraid because I have been entrusted with the ultimate revelation:
I do not travel this road alone and I have love to light my way.