Too many steps
yet here is the end
we longed for
but thought would never come.

Feet burned from the heat
heels cracked from the push
toes bent from the grip
arches sunken flat.

Looking back at the track
a trail that comes from the horizon
and all before then
lies pebbles and stones and boulders
criss crossed by waterways
filled with streams and rapids
fallen bark and trunks.

These trails linked together
with footprints in dirt and dust
just walking on
on
on.

It looks smaller now in the rear reflection
like a squiggly ant line drawn on a gum
a wrinkle scratched on the palm of a hand.

And as the vast ocean water
fills the forward horizon
encasing those
worn and weary feet
with salt and sand caresses
your heart thanks you with
a quiet nod
a silent wink
a remembrance from within.

That where there is a beginning
there will be an end
where there is an end
will be another beginning
hope and joy
loss and sadness
laughter and light.

You’ll find them on that trail
behind and in front
again
again
again.