According to my journals,
I’ve made no progress at all.
I’m wrestling with the same stuff,
I’m flying on the same hope  –
I see the bracing path rise up before me,
feel stronger with each vista I attain

I had imagined I’d be coming back by now,
bearing treasure, telling tales of all my victories,
but the trail demands I keep attention forward
and leave my dreams of accolades behind

According to my journals,
back last year I also battled darkness,
and last year I also walked in light,
and maybe there’s no final victors’ banquet,
just the daily work of taking steps aright.

©Wendy Mulhern
December 22, 2021