Poem: Path

Reaching halfway, the trail fades away.
No path to follow, no footsteps to tread in.
Darkness descends, and I am lost.
Exhausted, I see no way to go on.

Looking down, I see countless sentient beings
Gaze up at me with infinite hope, waiting,
Following in my footsteps.
Behind them comes the rising tide.

My heart fills with compassion,
And I know I must go on.
Where there is no path, I will make one.
Where there is no future, I will create it.

The weight of countless beings on my shoulders,
I turn to face the mountain,
Lifting my feet with my whole will,
I step blindly up into the dark.

The darkness dissolves
And the way shines before me.

I think of Master;
Tears in my eyes,
I strive forward.
Master has been carrying us all along.