The Wall and the Road

I stood atop a wall of my own making

I thought its height was breathtaking

But I knew that it enclosed me

And I often felt quite lonely

So I made a gate for those who may

Wish to enter and brighten my day

I kept it shut in times of war

And opened up when peace was at the door

One day a stranger came and called up to me

I looked down from above in my fortress to see

A man whose kind heart was full of sincerity

As he spoke to me my mind gained in clarity

He spoke of a land full of riches and harmony

And the way he would show at great cost to me

All that I had and that I’d gained

Must be given to him ‘till nothing remained

I knew it would be a great sacrifice

And questioned how I could pay such a price

Not all at once, he told me with compassion

One brick or stone at a time from your mighty mansion

I loosened a brick I had acquired with care

From the lust and pride which held it on the wall there

I took it to my new friend and offered it to him

He had me place it at his feet almost as if on a whim

I continued on for I knew he spoke the truth

Not about some fairy tale like the fountain of youth

His words made my heart ache and my soul sing

He appeared meek and lowly but I thought he must be a king

I took another stone and remembered why I placed it there

Every experience, every idea, every desire, and every care

And placed it at his feet again as he led me farther out

He showed me a wondrous sight just as I began to doubt

The world beyond my wall was more lovely than I knew

And as my friend kept speaking my anticipation grew

But I had to stop when I saw the look in my new friend’s face

He told me that all these stones must be securely held in place

He offered me a simple mortar of humility and trust

And said that just a little was far better than pride and lust

So I applied the mortar to the stones on the ground

Soon they were stable-set and I was paradise-bound

Day by day it went on in this manner

But the king’s smiling face was above me a banner

I held to his course brick by brick and stone by stone

Gratefully trusting that I’d never be alone

Eventually I saw atop a far hill

A kingdom of light and endless good will

And behind me a road from the old to the new

A confusing life and a winding journey in my view

I have since met others who’ve joined me on this way

Seen those who were lost find this road and stay

And though sometimes I may need a loving goad

I know I’m bound for heaven on this road

Everything which I had built up around me

Was of a darkness that can no longer surround me

And though my life is now laid down

I know that with a new one I’ll be crowned

Because the king spoke to me

Now I can see

And I’m free