The Long Way Home

In honor of National Poetry Day here is a page from my book, Walk A Little Slower

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In honor of National Poetry Day, today’s post comes from my collection of poetry and other words, Walk A Little Slower.

It’s a poem I recently read during a live show.

As I sat on stage, listening to Blake Flattley play one of his songs, I flipped through my book, Walk A Little Slower. Blake and I tour the country, hosting evening of music and poetry. Blake plays music. I share poetry. Every show I leave an open space in the set. For the most part every song and poem is planned, but not this section of the show.

Leading up to this point I try to get a feel for the room.

On this particular night, I flipped to page 100.

The Long Way Home.

It’s a poem I have never read on stage, but something in me wanted to read it.

I quickly skimmed it as Blake was finishing up a song.

It seemed fitting.

So, I stepped up the mic and read the poem.

After the show someone came up to me and asked, “What was that poem about the long way home?”

I grabbed a copy of Walk A Little Slower and showed her the page.

”This one. This is what I needed to hear tonight.”

I smiled and handed her a copy and said,

“Well, now you can read it whenever you’d like.”

And maybe this is a poem you need to hear today.

Enjoy :)

PS
Why not celebrate National Poetry Day by grabbing a copy of my book, Walk A Little Slower? :)

The Long Way Home

I’m choosing to take the long way home.

I’ve checked the map and studied story after story.

My finger has run beneath every line, and I’ve come to realize that even when there are storms in the sky, there are always ways to remain hopeful and dry.

I’ve got enough soul in my step to keep from sinking and plenty of promises that keep me from panicking. 

Along the way, my dirty hands will continue to fold as I pray.

Maybe I’ll even stumble upon the right words to say. 

And today, like it glows at the end of the tunnel, so does the light burn bright inside, reminding me I can take another step.

And I will.

One foot in front of the other with the grace and peace that has led me to be where I am and will take me to where I am going.

And I am going forward and, like I've always found before, I will find that hope has been within me the entire time.

I don’t know what is ahead, and I don’t need to know.

I've lived through what is behind and somehow, I stand here alive.

I know where I am going.

And this time, I’m choosing to take the long way home.

After all, I’m going home. 

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