A TRAVELER by James Bradfield
There’s a Traveler passing my heart;
He’s a Traveler who soon might part.
But I’ll open the door just a crack
To see if He’ll return or even look back.
He knocked once; I know, at least,
But I did not answer and soon He ceased.
There was a pause and a final rap-
Footsteps filled the silent gap.
Now there’s only a silhouette of a Visitor gone.
Would He have for a moment lingered on,
Perhaps I would have gone to the door,
Undid the latch or even more.
Still, He did come and stay a while,
But His trip was long and many a mile.
He wanted to stop and say, “Hello,”
And with no thought I asked Him to go.
I regret I did not see His eyes:
Compassionate, understanding, loving, and wise;
Hair was once handsome,
His feet are now numb.
But His hand is still extended
To a heart’s door unintended.
Words of meaning He would have said
To a soul like mine that soon could be dead.
But is it patience, wisdom, or love
That’s bringing Him back like Noah’s dove;
On wings of peace to come to me
And enter my heart in victory?
