The end of an era

We have but one journey,
and the path is never straight.

We think we have lots of time,
but like sand, it can’t be held.

We learn after the goal is complete
that the end is really the beginning.

We realize all of our joyous moments
have been happening all along.

We discover that the journey
was never about reaching our destination.

We notice all the people we’ve met
were never there to stay.

We feel bittersweet and unsettled
by all the things we’ve accomplished.

We are grateful for the sunset
reminding us to live in the here and now.

© 2025 Michelle Cook


Photo generated with AI

I still believe

I see God every day;
He’s always there
to brighten my way.

He made all the wonders
of the world,
even down to the tiniest
buds unfurled.

He gave me my life,
and He gave you yours;
He lets us decide our paths
and yet suggests detours.

It’s up to us to find our path
and go our own way,
and like a good father,
there are some things
He doesn’t say.

He lets us choose
whether we go left or go right,
but gives us our inner strength
when a battle arises
that we must fight.

He never promised us
a world without strife,
and He’s shown us plenty
of examples of pain
in His own life.

I think back to when
His most trusted angel turned away,
which reminds me of when
our own children chose not to stay.

The pain and sorrows
are never very far,
but just as a mother,
He still loves us wherever we are.

I can’t begin to understand
all that He is;
I just know that He loves me,
and I am His.

And one day, I’m sure,
I’ll understand more than I do now;
His wisdom will find me
just like the faith He has endowed.

Until then, I just keep trusting
and believing with my whole heart,
and I know He’ll be holding onto me
when at last, I do depart.

We mustn’t lose hope,
even in a world that seems so dim,
so I’m putting all my hope
in the One who’s always been.

© 2022 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/rose-rose-blossom-bud-blossom-5255938/

Something just for me

My heart will forever feel heavy,
but my head will always remain free
because I’ve chosen a different path now,
something just for me.

And I know there will be some,
who will never quite understand,
but I only have this one life here,
and the journey is mine to command.

© 2021 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/chile-volcano-nature-south-america-4872975/

Look out world, here I come!

woman-1245817_1280

About to embark
On a journey
A new way of life
I think this beginning
Is just what I need
I have nothing left here
Nothing holding me back
So I will chase my dreams
The sky is the limit
Look out world
Here I come!

© 2020 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-umbrella-floating-jumping-1245817/

Along the path to nowhere

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Drowning in the weald
Without a sword or shield
She was lost to the deep
Twilight had put her to sleep

But he somehow found her there
So full of sorrow and despair
And he gave her what he could
Although he was no Robin Hood

She applauded him for trying his best
This mission being his most important test
Yet both realized there had to be another way
Or they’d both be lost to the vast array

So a final plan was set into motion
Filled with dedication, love, and emotion
And determination eventually got them there
Saving them both from the path to nowhere

 

© 2018 Michelle Cook


Writing prompt: Consultant drowning deep within the shallow wood