Omnipotent Journey

Is it age that has me turn aside,  
to think twice because the  
turmoil in my life is nothing new.  

This time around it’s  
different news or seems to be,  
though bitter onslaught’ chill  
and words are all the same.  
 
Before I’m overwhelmed  
this time, I know what I must do,  
and I won’t be alone.  
 
From those who try to hold me back  
with lists they need for me to fill.  
 
From shouts that try to blame their  
wants and woes so hard it seems  
the earth will free-fall from its spin  
— I soon walk out the door.  
 
There’s nothing to prepare my rout.  
I’ve all I need for this.  
With coat and gloves and shoes  
and hat, I’m down the stairs.  
 
Already I’ve a smile that isn’t seen  
but felt within my lightened heart  
as deeper in the woods I go,  
 
where neither voices’ drone  
nor storm can reach.  
It’s all I want to know.  
 
Each rapid step I take for minutes  
passing till I’ve lost the count,  
and now don’t even bother.  
 
It must be like the crane that  
takes to wing and lets its instinct  
be compass and navigator,  
 
leaving me as only motion.  
What is my instinct?  
 
I stop to look up through the trees  
With tiny rippling stars in sight.  
The world’s at rest.  
 
The cold and crisp of winter’s air  
surrounds me and the sentinels.  
 
I’ve long forgotten where I laid  
the broadsword I never used.  
 
I didn’t need it then  
nor do I need it now.  
 
Though deep in darkest night,  
the words that I am hearing  
come to me more clearly  
are of myself.  
 
I feel I’m reacquainting  
with a friend.  
 
I’ll stay here for a while to think,  
while curious brave the cold,  
peering from foliage and drifts.  
 
I hardly know how  
or why I’ll be all right.  
 
As winter makes amends,  
I promise Him I’m doing this  
for only me, I won’t forget again.