Wisdom's Path

Wisdom's Path

By: Joy Ortiz

She treads a path

Across the slough 

With torches burning bright. 

Her hand upraised 

To light the way,

She pierces through the night. 

The ground is soft

With deadly rot

To trap the careless foot. 

Her steps are firm

Above the bog

On marked and solid route. 

For eyes which seek

A higher road,

The stepping stones arise

To build a path

Of sure-foot truth

Which stands above the lies.

Each wanderer

Who finds himself

Confronted by the mire

Must either brave

Its fetid pool

Or search for something higher. 

In darkness deep

The whispers grow,

Confusing wrong and right. 

Well-meaning words

Bear shadows cast

By weak, uncertain light. 

If anyone

Would cross the slough

And reach the other side,

He must be sure

His path is firm

With Wisdom as his guide. 

She strides ahead

To light the way

With bright Integrity. 

She reaches back

Her torch of Truth

Which helps the blind to see. 

Her call rings out! 

She charges you,

"Come; follow in my tread.

Ignite your torch,

Reach out your hand,

And help the light to spread.

Fearless, boldly

Venture forth

In hope and blameless deed,

And every step

Will pierce the dark

For everyone you lead."

Press onward, then

With courage

As you follow what is right. 

When Wisdom

Makes a way for you,

Keep passing on the light.