My Path in the Woods

I went for a walk

after the snow

and I knew others had been there before

for the path I was on

was well beaten down

and it held my attention

no more

For the path well-trod

leads to despair

and is surfaced with dusty schemes

The path I prefer

I'll carve it myself

and pave it with elegant dreams

Yes

I once walked there

on the path well-trod

but my footprints I never could find

for they were all mixed and mingled therein

with the others

I walked behind

So I left the path

and I walked in the woods

and when I turned I could see

the most beautiful trail there in the snow

created only by me

My trail wasn't straight

nor was it wide

it wandered where ever I pleased

but the beauty I saw

could never be seen

from that well-trod path through the trees

Alone in the woods

I shed a tear

and gave the Lord thanks that day

for just one thing He gave to me

-the courage

to break away

But the tear that I shed

wasn't really for me

‘twas for the many who fear to be free

from the well-trod path

that shackles their souls

and shrouds their destiny

For on the well-trod path

nothing can grow

save for a few dusty schemes

But on the trail you carve yourself

you'll find

the most elegant dreams

 

- Marty Rickard