The Trail

Originally posted on 9/9/2013.

gray figures that once beckoned me
onto this trail

with encouragement that was sometimes 
indistinct but always necessary

gray figures I imagine are there for me
in my worst moments 

gray figures now so cloaked
in routine’s amnesia

that on the good mornings
when I see one or more on my periphery

I stop in deep surprise and gratitude 
wherever I am

to nod and acknowledge them gently
and swiftly so as not to slow my progress

before returning to the trail with
increased confidence

for that day
at the very least

to those gray figures 
I owe a debt still unpaid

for their direction on the trail
I salute them though I only know them

as glimmers now
and now and then 

it is (madness to think it) almost as if
I had directed myself

with dreams alone
to this real moment