Life's Cartographer

I have been drawing a map since the day of my birth
It began when I crossed the bridge from womb to reality
Enveloped by illumination, and flooded with unbearable noise

I traveled from one set of hands, to the bosom of my mother where I took rest
I marked that spot as home
 
A whole decade I routed and pathed
My chart continually expanding along the way
Many wonders I had seen, and many horrors
Love begets love, and death begets death

One decade more, a world set on its own destruction
I made a note to avoid that route
My heart chose the road of redemption
 
Ten years once more, a path led to my wife who bore a son
I listed the key as family
 
Fifty more years I lived, my map incomplete
Lying in bed, I greeted an old friend
His name was death

Before I took leave with my companion
I passed down my knowledge, a vocal and mental course
So that my kin may continue to map the vast reaches of humanity