by Russell Popham

Created on: August 02, 2009

A New Beginning

He died in a cold darkened motel room, a worn-out traveler just passing through.

Now winter stilled his lonely heart, the guttered candle finally flickered out.

And as the darkness soothed his weary soul, and sloughed away the weight of years,

the countless failures lost their shame as earthly pains and cares were left behind.

He floated for a while, as if in a dream - then off in the distant darkness shined

a brilliant point of wondrous light, which drew him towards its warm embrace.

Now, in the light, his heart leapt with joy, and tears fell as healing winds refreshed his soul.

Love, so long forgotten, at last quenched his thirsty spirit, left withered by uncounted hopeless years.

Then he danced in celebration of this new-found hope, and love, remembered, made him laugh out loud.

And happiness filled his heart with the knowledge that this had been his by right to claim all along.

But suddenly, in the midst of this joyous dance, he heard a loving voice softly call, "Dear Child."

Then with infinite kindness, "Your time has not yet come."

He listened in awe, barely understanding, as the voice continued, "Return! But always remember,

that within you flows this never-ending spring, and all that love can create is yours."

"Love yourself!" The final words still lingered as the light withdrew and silent night returned.

Then down through the deathless darkness he flew, till home at last his soul was born anew.

The eyes that opened then seemed to shine like the stars, as hope now kindled brightly from within,

and as the young-old traveler rose, he watched the sun dawn upon a new horizon.

Truthfully, he still felt the bittersweet ache at Heaven lost.

Yet love, too, now leapt within his heart, once darkened by the clouds of sad despair.

Then remembering those final words, he smiled and laughed with delight at what lay ahead.

"Life is mine to start again - to change." He said, "And at my journeys end, a new beginning!"

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