the journey has been overwhelming
the road long and arduous
with pitfalls
and wrong turns taken
only to double back
to crossroads and bad directions

maps scribbled quickly
on the back of my hand
and instructions
both kindly given and some
not so much

straight and narrow paths
stumbling blocks and rocky roads
have led me here
right now
to a place
if not smooth
at least well paved with good intentions

I will release this burden
kick off these dusty boots
and rest here for a while