Paths not taken

There are paths not taken

We regret

There are roads not travelled down

Nor experiences met

And these at times it seems can haunt us

When I feel the tenderness

Of love meeting me softly

And watch as well the struggle of others

Who long and long to connect

My heart just melts lately

There are gentle memories I hold so dear

Of England

Of the softness of the lanscape

Of the warm and long summer nights you and I spent

Cycling through the meadows

But the past came calling me

Because the needs and suffering and sensitivity of family

Were not lost to me

And so as I dreamed the walls closed in

I made the journey back

This is where you left me

And my heart still aches from it

And yet

Deep inside my soul

I know

It was meant

Now I find myself letting go

Not struggling as much with the pain

I felt

Instead I take it slowly and welcome

All of these tears into my heart

I stop the running

As I enter the shedding

And turn instead to face my broken heart

Knowing that path not taken was not

Indeed the end

But never the less

Such a pivotal part

Of my soul’s deep ongoing journey