The Price

I travel the road I'm set upon,
with a jaunty gait and whistled song,
there are times I think I've lost my way,
stumbling through darkness to find the dawn.

I see the sky in the light of day
animals and children as they play,
wonders that I never thought to see
bright sunsets to take my breath away.

I'll rest beneath the shade of a tree
and walk along the shores of the sea;
my weary feet feel sullen and staid
as I tread with more uncertainty.

my sheltered path has started to fade
I think to rest I'd like to be laid...
but I have promises I've made
and there is yet a price to be paid.