In the way forward
there are no bragging rights,
no carefree membership
in some self-satisfied association

In the way forward
there will be solitude.
In the wilderness of
no one to ask for help
there is a hardening off, a honing,
a time of leanness
and a propelling hunger

Rumor has it
there is great reward on the other side,
that, upon arrival, there will be celebration,
singing. There will be that precious
everyday joy, as well as the special one
of having traversed the chasm

I don’t know anyone here
who knows this from experience.
We shall see.

©Wendy Mulhern
June 2, 2018