The Bridge

A river of deep flows what seems a mile below
Above is a bridge, only to a few is it known
Deep in a forest as dark as the night
It is here that I learned the secret of life
This bridge of which I speak, ordinary it is not
With rope for rails and wooden steps of rot
Fog of thick prevents the other side a view
Never shall it recede, bewildering its clues

For almost two score I've returned here each year
Sometimes I leave merry, the other a tear
This bridge in the woods of which light never gleams
Provides insight of future, and that everlasting
Stepping past each rung, as if a walk in the clouds
A brisk glance at my feet yet I can't see the ground
Aged wood wrapped in twine and held together by chance
To cease this annual journey, I'm afraid that I can't

That other side invisible, hidden away in the midst
Hold next years answers and worth any risk
As I reach the threshold, taking the last final step
Look once more over my shoulders where reality is kept
Now standing quietly with my feet on firm ground
A relaxing deep breath I draw while looking around
What the days ahead of me hold, I can readily see
Unwrapping the fear along with all uncertainty

Back over the river now, from which I just came
A head full of thoughts with home calling my name
The future can't hold tomorrows surprises from thy
It's why to the bridge I return time after time
Would this life be fuller only knowing the past
This is a question to myself, often I ask
Save it does not those times of life's misery
Still the precious and painful occur, only earlier I see

A time long ago after traversing this bridge of wood
In unborn days I witnessed more than a heart should
A meeting of fate it was, and nothing more indeed
The love of my life, oh- this was the year we'd meet
Falling fast for her I did, time beforehand to plan
Months away we still were, this trip made a happy man
Blissful, a time we'd enjoy, now still day after day
Back to her I head now, hurrying I'm on my way

Arriving back at my home while sun still shining
Ah- seeing my sweetheart of who I've been pining
This year upcoming and long days it will have in store
Days anew to all others and yet I've seen each before
Knowledge that I could use for power and or fame
To me, that's not the game, nor is thy name
I shall forever use the awareness of days to enlighten
Always sure those closest to me never are frightened

Alas, here I am now, another journey soon to begin
Has it been another year and if so was it when
The bridge seeks my visit as I do its eminence
Another glimpse I'll take now of coming spirits
After long travels, my trip now complete
Back to the wood and rope of the bridge that swings
The darkness and fog still here, just like before
Crossing now upon the other sides invisible door

Standing at the threshold, one more step remains
As always, a last look back to the world of sane
Onward I move to see what the year ahead will be like
Visions of all crashing in, but something's not right
For only part of this future I can only see
The rest is painted black, dull, dark and empty
Immediately I realize the plain truth and consequence
This travel is my last, as this year my life will end