Life's Trail

Life’s Trail
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel


I stand nearly invisible
at the end of life’s trail,
not many more miles
to travel before it’s over,
but I never meant to fade.
Guess those of us who age
disappear to those still young.
To others who don’t know,
I stand alone, while they
just wish the trip was through
and I would be gone from view.
But, listen, you who care not
for anyone but yourselves;
you don’t know me.

Even if you don’t expect
those who seem old to you
to have any use on earth,
there’s so much more to understand
than the limited knowledge
that you ever possessed.
We give meaning to life itself.
We pave the way for all
who follow us along the path.
Our strength and endurance
have provided meaning and
hope and joy and power
to everyone around us.

Hear me well, world,
God has given me the core
within that gives me mettle,
but I am the reason that
I will stay alive,
continuing to be productive
in at least some small way,
until the end of the trail
no longer hides from me.