Each Step
~~~
His clothes carry the dust of a thousand years
As his walking stick taps out syncopated time
The old man peers down the road yet ahead
And in the distance, the hills for him to climb
~~~
The start of his journey, now so hard to recall
But the memories in millions made wandering
Are echoed footfalls of steps in Kodachrome
And direction of each he is left pondering
~~~
For with each step, he surely chose his way
Made choices that would bear forever fruit
He wonders what man he would have been
If better choices had born a different route
~~~
He knows there is less road that lies ahead
Than the well-traveled miles that lie behind
But every step to where his life has led
Such a wonderous moment enshrined
~~~
And though old bones do bid their pause
The journey not completed, just yet
He lifts his heavy pack and pushes on
Eternally grateful for each and every step
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
clearly this gratitude continues in spite of all the challenges along the way
When life hits us with strong head winds, gratitude is our wings and creates the lift our spirit needs. Thank you, Beth!
I could read one of your poems a thousand times, and each time notice something different. It’s how I know you are exceptional, my favorite poet. This time, “echoed footfalls of steps in kodachrome” really struck me. Man, that is such a good line. It speaks volumes. It makes me wish I had thought of it (another sign of your creative genius)! You inspire me to write! You inspire and move me like no other! Really, really well done. I love how the grateful outlook weaves throughout the poem. The road ahead might be shorter than the road behind, but I hope the road ahead still holds the old man’s best days!
Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. I appreciate all the love and support. The trickiest part with one great line is making sure the lines before or after do not drag it down.
Always moving forward and learning from past experiences.
That is the goal, my friend. Thank you, Pete!
Love your poetry , Brad.
Thank you, Yassy! Best wishes to you!