Another Era Ends (a poem)

We walked a path together

We walked a path together Through the sunshine and the shade

We walked a path together Through the sunshine and the shade Over mountain tops and valleys

We walked a path together Through the sunshine and the shade Over mountain tops and valleys Through the forest and the glade.

At times the path was easy

At times the path was easy And warm rays lit our tracks

At times the path was easy And warm rays lit our tracks Laughter flowed like music

At times the path was easy And warm rays lit our tracks Laughter flowed like music The wind pushed upon our backs.

Other times were much harder

Other times were much harder Storms and blizzards slowed our way

Other times were much harder Storms and blizzards slowed our way But worse, our own mistakes

Other times were much harder Storms and blizzards slowed our way But worse, our own mistakes (including my own)

Other times were much harder Storms and blizzards slowed our way But worse, our own mistakes (including my own) Nearly drowned us in dismay.

But we marched on through it

But we marched on through it With grit and a smile

But we marched on through it With grit and a smile With forgiveness and good humor

But we marched on through it With grit and a smile With forgiveness and good humor We pushed through those torrid miles

But alas.

It was an honor to walk with you

It was an honor to walk with you An honor I will not forget

It was an honor to walk with you An honor I will not forget An honor to be at your side

It was an honor to walk with you An honor I will not forget An honor to be at your side Without a tinge of regret.

But our journey is now over

But our journey is now over Our paths now go in separate ways

But our journey is now over Our paths now go in separate ways Our roads fork to different ends

But our journey is now over Our paths now go in separate ways Our roads fork to different ends We're at our final phase.

A new baring I must take

A new baring I must take A new direction I must stride

A new baring I must take A new direction I must stride Across new meadows, rocks, and waters

A new baring I must take A new direction I must stride Across new meadows, rocks, and waters (Yes alas)

A new baring I must take A new direction I must stride Across new meadows, rocks, and waters (Yes alas) Without you by my side.

And will I fulfill my journey?

And will I fulfill my journey? If will and fortune lend.

And will I fulfill my journey? If will and fortune lend. But for now, a chapter closes

And will I fulfill my journey? If will and fortune lend. But for now, a chapter closes Another era ends.