I Run On

I run…I breathe…I pant. I want to stop and turn around, But I know I can’t. The road stretches before my eyes— That endless pass toward Paradise. I close my eyes and breathe—determinedly. In, out. In, out. The sun smiles and warms my soul and body. I feel alive, and I feel free. All the world seems laughing with me. But when the road curves upward, How my legs scream and lungs cry out. It’s hard to breathe, although inwardly I shout. My heart is failing, my soul is weak, I fear I will never find all that I seek. But on this journey—this long, long trek— We struggle and lose, and often, we fall. Here there will always be burdens, always strife, But our hearts are hopeful and our heads held tall; For it is the race of life.