An intimidating fortress stands on high ground

Its towers and spires tall and proud

Walls rise from murky depths below

And I used to be proud that I created it so

With guards stationed every 5 feet

Who would dare enter; Once in, who would dare leave?

It served a my protection

But I missed their inflection

When they say, “It is better this way.”

 

This way…

The way of my castle and guards and no play?

They’re right! 

I exclaim, not a wonder in sight

It is better to live in dark to know light

To dwell in the shadows and live in pure fright

And yet still I pause and think on their words

And watch as they point out songbirds

And hear, “It is better this way.”

 

This way…

And then the light dawns as soft as new day

I look over my walls and on the next rise

A glimpse of a cottage amongst trees where it hides

There’s no turret or banner to dare you to enter

No trick-step or trap to leave you much bruised

Simply a sign that asks for your shoes

And I remember, “It is better this way.”

 

This way

I say

And with Curiosity, my guide

I bundle and caste out my pride

We visit this cottage

And I have to acknowledge

That this simpler way of life

Is, surprisingly, quite nice

And I question, “Is it better this way?”

 

This way

Will require more work but more play!

I think, as I walk to my keep

Is it worth it? I ask. A cost so steep?

A reformation of life

But at what price?

I stroll through my halls

With its cold, bare, empty walls

And think, “It’s not better this way.”

 

This way

The thought pulls me in and lightens the gray

It can’t hurt to try

I say with a sigh

And begin dispelling my gloom

The work is slow, so people assume

That nothing is changing, and nothing will soon

An yet all on my own, I see myself bloom

And promise, “It is better this way.”

 

It’s been quite some time

Since I started this climb

It’s been so very hard

And I’ve gotten some scars

But every minute’s been worth it

Even when I’ve been hit.

I’ve got miles to go

But I already know

It is definitely better this way.