Running on Empty
I started on this journey, fortified with fuel to burn,
And any time that I got low, it wasn't a concern;
I'd fill my tank with hopes and dreams, topped up with love and grace,
And back onto the road of life, I'd get in gear, and race.
At times my trail has been downhill, I'd coast a little while,
The stretch of road was filled with joy, some laughter and some smiles;
But lately all the twists and turns began to take their toll,
The uphill climbs have drained me dry ... my tank is running low.
What happened to the straight-a-ways where I could build up steam?
There used to be a service center every mile it seemed;
The gauge is flashing red I fear, I've nothing left to spare,
What keeps this vessel running is just fumes mixed in with air.
The engine has begun to slow ... its almost at the end,
I'm anxious now to see ahead, around this little bend;
I take the turn and try to focus down the road a-ways,
While searching for an answer through the cold, deserted haze.
And much to my amazement, when I feel that all is lost,
I see a little sign ahead, but then ... the engine stops!
I walk the final distance, try to focus on the sign,
For it's the only option left to which I am resigned.
It's getting closer, thankfully ... can almost make it out!
I'm hoping for direction in this world I've filled with doubt;
And now the time of truth is here, the words are taking shape,
I've nowhere else to go, and so ... I read my final fate.
It said I had a "Bumpy Ride ... Ahead Another Mile";
And there I stood with heart in hand, and gave a little smile;
For if they took the time to place this sign along the road,
It meant that if I carried on, a new path would unfold.
I reasoned that "beyond" the bumps, that life had thrown my way,
There must be smoother sailing just a mile or so away;
And so I mustered up my strength ... walked back from where I'd come,
I opened up the tank and poured the faith that I had won.
The engine sputtered ... gave a gasp, then clicked in over-drive,
And down the road I sped away ... to face this bumpy ride!