“Life is a journey of trials, adventure, and growth, where each step ought to be deliberate and memorable. Through dark times and joyful moments, we gather strength, wisdom, and gratitude. Embrace the path - it’s all for you.” - Neil vd M.

Life

Each step taken
Make deliberate

Each footstep left
Make memorable

For the path life takes
Over cliffs, down canyons, through caves
And ah, refreshing waters
And sigh, tumultuous rapids

Is a journey, a trial, an adventure
Through the dark and pain,
plod, tred, never relenting,
breathe, rest, blaze!

In sunshine and glee,
Run, bound, consciously grateful,
Breathe, rest, share!

Whether hither or thither,
Yay or nay
Neither or either
This too will pass,
But remember it is all for you
For strength, for wisdom, for growth
For you...

-Neil van der Merwe

Deeper Insights

Today, we're reflecting on a stirring poem that speaks to the very essence of our existence. It's a piece that encapsulates the journey of life, with its victories, challenges, and the relentless perseverance that shapes our narrative. So let's explore these verses together, unraveling the wisdom woven into each line.

Each step we take in life is an opportunity to make a deliberate choice. It's about being intentional with our actions, understanding that every decision we make has the power to leave a lasting imprint. The poem urges us to make each footstep memorable, to live fully in each moment, and to recognize the importance of the legacy we leave behind.

Life's path is indeed a varied landscape, filled with cliffs to scale, canyons to explore, and caves to traverse. It's a reminder that our journey isn't just a straight line but a rich tapestry of experiences that shape our character. And just like the refreshing waters mentioned in the poem, life has its moments of respite and rejuvenation, allowing us to gather our strength for what lies ahead.

But with the beauty of these calm waters comes the challenge of tumultuous rapids. Life's trials are inevitable, and the poem speaks to the resilience required to navigate through them. The words "plod, tread, never relenting" are a powerful call to perseverance, urging us to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough. It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome.

The poem also reminds us to embrace the joyous moments with the same fervor as we face our challenges. In "sunshine and glee," we're encouraged to run, bound, and be consciously grateful. These are the times to breathe, rest, and share our happiness with others, spreading the light that we've found along our way.

Life's dichotomies are further explored with the phrases "hither or thither, yay or nay, neither or either." It's a recognition that we will face choices, some easy and some hard, but each one is a part of our growth. "This too will pass" is a phrase that offers comfort during tough times and humility during victories, reminding us that every phase of life is transient.

Ultimately, the poem concludes with a profound message: everything we experience is for us—for our strength, wisdom, and growth. It's a beautiful encapsulation of the idea that life, with all its twists and turns, is a personal journey of becoming. We are the sum of our experiences, and each step we take is a chance to grow into the best version of ourselves.

As we reflect on this poem, let's carry with us the reminder to live deliberately, cherish the moments, both good and bad, and to always persevere. For in the end, life is not just about the destination but the lessons learned and the person we become along the way.