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Ladder of My Life

By Joshua Roscoe
March 20, 2006

Far from reach is the goal I seek
A summitless mountain with happiness alluding from its lofty peak
A key with wings to unlock the secret of satisfaction

A journey from whence forgotten
A boat from the shores of a lost isle
A path trodden yet from an invisible source

How far must I walk to find a place of rest?
To find the treasure I have seen, yet cannot hold or possess?
How long must I search this world full of maps for the one that has what I pursue?

Like a homeless pup I wander street and road
Begging with a silent plea and a story in my eyes
For food or a warm place to sleep
A home to embrace as mine

Though the rung for which my hand flails is never there
I see it as I climb the ladder of my life
Always pressing myself for an inch higher
I cannot seem to find the courage to leap for my ethereal prize

Yet as it eludes me,
A boldness builds from within
A fearful bravery as opportunity slips from my grasp
My legs tense under me as I set myself to bound for what awaits me

As I lift from my place,
A joyous optimism fills my heart
That I have accomplished what has evaded me for so long makes my spirit light

But the gravity known as reality takes hold
And tears form in my eyes as the realization comes that I might not make it
The despair of a dying soul becomes a part of me
And my dreams are shattered by a merciless force

Yet, in a final, desperate cry I call on Jesus
And with the absolute faith of the doomed, I lift my prayer to Him
I feel detached as I let my troubles leave me,
As a peace settles over the sea of turmoil I have become

He catches my hand
And with heavenly strength He raises me to my goal
My hand clasps round the rung of my dreams,
And I climb with faith anew in the ladder of my life.

© 2006, Joshua Roscoe

Joshua Roscoe is currently living in Northeast Oklahoma at a Teen Challenge Youth Ranch, working with His Lord through the journey from substance abuse to freedom. He can hardly wait to turn 18 and own a fat, marmalade cat.