forward.

“Forward” You said

Though I was all out of breath

My heart beating fast

My appearance a mess

“Forward” You said

And I fell into line

Excitement ‘round the Bend

Firmly fixed in my mind

“Forward” I went

Pleased to go on my way

Til I rounded the curve

And the path gave way

“Backwards” I fell

Down the mountain I’d climbed

Confusion, resentment, failure

Caught me in time

Where were You?

When that path gave way?

Had you known all along?

Why didn’t you say?

“Forward” You said

And I had trusted You

Not knowing the path

Or what I was to do

“Backwards” I fell

Now I’m confused

Did I hear you wrong?

Should I have doubted you?

Now in the “backwards” I rest

Unable to move

All I want is Your warmth

But I can’t find you

Then a voice from behind

Carrying strength through the fray

“Forward” it says

“I’ll show you the way”

And I knew it was You

From the song in the phrase

But I dug in my heels

And told You, “I’ll stay”

“See, 'Forward,' I went

And found Vulnerable, and Lost

I find it safer in 'Backwards'

No change, and no cost”

“Backwards,” I said

“I understand well

From the swamps to pits

To the rock-slid paths

Forward is scary

Uncontrolled, undefined

Full of pain and despair

Unknown, unanalyzed”

“No thanks” I said

With a gleam in my eye

“You can say what you will,

I’ve made up my mind”

“Forward” You said quietly

As if not hearing my choice

And you picked up my boots

And my pack and my hat

“Forward” You went

Carrying all of my things

And I sat there stunned

Wanting to fume or to laugh

All alone, all at once

I cried out in despair

“I cannot go on!

I won’t make it up there!”

Then I looked about Backwards

And realized I knew

That I’d rather not stay

If it meant losing You

So, I gathered myself

And I dusted my nerves

Ditched my pride (and my beanie)

And began again “Forward”

And then there You were

As though you never had left

With a sparkle in Your eyes

And a spring in Your step

“Forward” You said

Though I wanted to hear more

But, you pointed out the path

As if to say You were sure

And maybe someday 

You'll explain the rest

Like why the path gave way

And we couldn't go back

But for now, I choose to trust

To listen for Your voice

That your "Forward" is better

Than the "Backward" of my choice

 So “Forward” I’ll go

Though I’m scared and confused

And I’ll round the next Bend

Holding tight to You