Every wilderness journey

Another footprint unknown

Tomorrow always uncertain

Turning over each heavy stone

Lost among daylight’s darkness

With every tentative step

Smallest ember of light’s beacon

Finding vacant cabin’s doorstep

Door’s rusted hinges swing free

Waiting, barely hanging on

Vivid memories gather now

Warmly colored with worn crayons

Bushel of thoughts now arrive

Rekindled glow from fireplace

Yesterday no longer frozen

Gentleness cradles weathered face

Surrounded in breathless peace

Slumber’s cherished whisper calls

Weariness at last overcomes

Cuddled under nightly dream’s shawl