To Walk Backward

If only for a moment to take a step back

To look upon those who came before

To walk backward through the shadowy mists of time

To walk the roads walked so long ago

To hear again the songs sung to young ears

To look again upon the places that were left behind

To see the trails that were faced

To know the hardship that was endured

So that we may walk upon this earth

To swell with joy in the moments of glory

To shed tears in the moments of sorrow

To watch our own lives form

Like a stone tossed into a pond each action rippling outward

Each life surging outward to entwine with others

To stand upon the shore and look to the surging waters

To know those who came before

To know those who came after

To know oneself is the gift of the past

It is the lessons of the past that will pave the road to the future