FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND. a modern version.

[WIZARD]

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND. a modern version.

Upon the shore we walked at eventide
And I looked back upon the path we’d trod
And in the sand I traced our way at eventide
And I was glad I’d walked through life with Him:
For side by side we’d journeyed through together
All through the world’s wide wilderness of care
And side by side we’d journeyed through to eventide:
Safe at his side heavens goodness had brought me here.

But in my joy there ran a strain of sadness
To give me pause when thinking of my way
For on the shore I saw He’d left me lonely
When I had most the need of Him to stay:
When I was tried, He’d left me worn and wandering,
He’d left me lone when I was fighting fears,
He’d let me tread the steepest slopes in solitude
Before he came back to my side and gently dried my tears.

But then He drew near to me in comfort
And in his tenderness he made it plain
That in the times when dread and darkness threatened
He was my shield and shelter from the pain:
For on his shoulders He was gently bearing
And on His shoulders I from harm was free:
The single trace of footprints shown were not mine but his,
The single trace of footprints shows, alone he carried me.

So on the shore I walk with Him at eventide;
I face the latter days of life secure,
For if my pilgrimage reserves me sorrow
The footprints show that He is strong and sure:
If I am near the gates of heaven weary,
No longer strong enough to stride alone
The footprints show that he is there to carry me:
The footprints show, that he has borne me home.

Adapted by Wizard.

[Scottishtourist]

It's beautiful Wizard,one of my very favourite pieces of prose.
I have it on a bookmark.(yes,contrary to belief on another topic,I DO read books,and particularly enjoy poetry.)
If you've had a lot of turmoil in your life,then this takes on a VERY significant meaning.
Ranks right up there with another personal favourite...but I would probably be seen as being too morbid if I quoted it!
"Do not stand at my grave and weep"
It was voted the nation's favourite poem and there have been various theories as to it's origin.
But...it is relevant to me...and a comfort.
Bless you.

[dsaxelby]

[quote
"Do not stand at my grave and weep"
.[/quote]

"For I am not there"

one of my significant favourites too, nothing morbid about it

[Zooropa]

If we believe it Scottish its because you said it!

I took you at your word!

However im glad its not true!

[Zooropa]

When you say the nations favourite poem do you mean Scotland?

Kiplings "If" held such a title, has this be superded?

[Scottishtourist]

When you say the nations favourite poem do you mean Scotland?

Kiplings "If" held such a title, has this be superded?

Sorry Z!"If" was the outright winner according to poll conducted by book programme "The Bookworm."
"Do not stand at my grave and weep"was voted favourite poem "by proxy" even though it was outside the competition.
It was an anonymous piece...but obviously captured the heart of a nation.

[WIZARD]

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.


Mary Elizabeth Frye