One Step Forward

One Step Forward

Is it the hour of farewell,

Are there only minutes left to say good bye?

Has Time taken away my childhood,

Do I have to leave with a sigh?

But hasn't it been my dream,

To witness the Wild?

Now when the Time has come,

Why do I behave like a child?

The Little Child had dreamt,

Always for adventure.

Now when the hour is here,

With fear, why does she shiver?

It's been easier to dream,

She said to herself.

Adventure is a long road,

And I don't know where to begin.

I had once dreamt of the Ocean,

I had once dreamt of the Wild.

But I have no will to place my feet on this road,

Grieved the Little Child.

She felt the Breeze touch her soft face,

Smiling, she breathed the new clean air.

Outside is a fresh new beginning,

With open arms is someone waiting for me there?

Be free like me,

Be free, hummed the Wind.

Believe in yourself,

Only then will you win!

The Little Child stared blindly,

She had once believed in herself.

Even with the Road waiting for her now,

She feared her adventure itself.

The Wind blew violently,

Breaking her stare.

Come out of your misery,

For no one really cares.

Hundreds have gone before you,

On the road of adventure, they have tread.

And more will go later,

Said the wild Wind, unafraid.

I am scared, O Wind,

Of what lies for me ahead.

Once I live my dream,

Will my soul be dead?

Will my soul fulfill itself,

Not wanting to know more?

Will my journey end so soon,

When I want to see so much more?

The Wind sang around her,

Little Child, I am the maker of dreams.

Once one is fulfilled,

There pops up another beam!

The Little Child giggled,

At the Winds' joyous song!

Surely when I see a game,

Will I not want to play along?

Surely when I see the Road,

Will I not want to be swept along?

All along I have dreamt for adventure,

And its' long road waits for me here!

With the Wind she sang as she opened her Door,

Slowly, she stepped out onto the Open Road.

A tear rolled down her face,

As she ran with the Wind, onwards.

All along I have been dreaming.

Finally I am,

One Step Forward!

Maryam Kaleem

*Part 3 of the "Little Child" poems!