The Homecoming

Part 1 - Homesick

Out of the window, clouds black, rain unrelenting,
He longed for his home, his wife, distance preventing.
This quest he had, he longed and longed for its end,
The peace in his mind long gone, he must amend.

Growing faster now, the sick feeling inside,
He wants to return, to his wife, his home, his pride.
Feeling worse every day, he has to keep going,
His family's wellbeing, not letters, unknowing.

Clutching his chest, his heart beats strong,
Each beat reminding him of his absense, so long.
Like that of a drum, constant, strong and true,
However this does not prevent him feeling blue.

Gladly clutching a picture, drawn by his youngest,
A tree on a hill, a smiling child, stirs him strongest.
He remembers this tree as though it was there for real,
Only hoping for the day he'd finally let wounds heal.

The memory of his children burns a fire in his heart,
Eating away at him, his loneliness, tears him apart.
Has he done all he can for those that brought him here?
Whether he had or not, a change was ever near.

Part 2 - The Decision

It was now or never.
The decision had to be made.
If he didn't act now, would he ever?

Clutching the picture, he thought,
He readied his posessions.
A long walk ensued.

Was he going to leave?
He had to decide.
All hinged on this moment.

Feeling stronger now,
He had a lot to fight for.
Were they still waiting?

Shedding a tear, he blinked,
Looking out the window,
Rain had subsided.

Nodding to himself, he stood.
Picture in pocket.
It was now or never.

Part 3 - Preparation

Loading belongings into satchel, decision made,
His dreams of returning home, they no longer fade.
Striding to the table, map and compass lay idle,
Alongside candle and quill, a beaten old bible.

Seeking guidance from the stars, he begun to pray,
A dream in his mind, would he see the day?
Would he hold in his arms, his beloved son?
He would hold out his hand, as yet, reach none.

Planning the journey, he charts on the map,
Rain blusters again, hitting window, repeated tap.
A route begins to show, Not quickest, but tame,
Less treacherous, mark each place by name.

Picking up the compass, he finds his north,
Turning the map, showing which way forth.
He gathers his belongings, hoist satchel to back,
First steps await him on this daunting old track.

Part 4 - Setting Out

It's behind him now,
Should he set a pace?
Walk quickly from the start,
Slowing later?

Should he push himself?
Driving his legs hard?
The journey begins,
He has a long way to go.

Adjusting his satchel,
Minding the rocks underfoot,
Walking while thinking,
Quick pace constant.

Background begins to change,
Day approaches it's end,
Night draws itself near,
Time to set up camp.

Night one, this one of many,
Cold yet calm,
Rudimentary tent built,
From branches and undergrowth.

Morning comes,
Day two of his journey,
No turning back now,
He has to get home.

Part 5 - Realization

A thought crept into his mind, Could he make it?
Had he bitten off more than he can chew? Face it.
His journey was long, he had scarcely the resources,
To get him all the way, Unknowing of natures forces.
The task at hand was arduous, lengthy at best,
A challenge, the ideal, at it's worst, unholy test.

Reaching into his pocket, he grasped the picture,
His youngest son drew, emotion thrown in the mixer.
Clasping the paper, holding it tightly to his chest,
He realised his journey, was for his and their best.
Holding on to the hope, His family were his goal,
Only on arrival at home, would he finally feel whole.

However long his journey, however dangerous it was,
He would endure it all and more for them, just because.
His family were his life, his task forced him to part,
Wrenching his insides, his gut, his broken heart.
It was time to move again, picture returned to pocket,
Homeward bound, he'd pray, in heart, he'd lock it.

Part 6 - Fatigue

Days had passed now,
Bleary eyed and weary.
Still driving his legs onwards,

Still pushing on, regardless.
Often falling to the ground,
Weak and stumbling.

He had to rest, it was hurting.
Sitting down on a log,
Removing his shoes.

Feet calloused and blistered,
Red raw, tender to touch,
Pain ebbed and flowed.

Often lying down for hours,
Stamina not what he thought.
Blurred vision losing sight.

A forced look at the map,
His path was wrong,
He's a mile off course.

Head north east now,
Drifted towards the west,
No markers to guide.

Harder and tougher,
His journey dragged,
His very soul tested.

No end in sight,
No clearer his path,
No way to continue.

Part 7 - Rest

An inn had appeared, from his eye's blurry haze,
From a seemingly endless trek, his mind a maze.
Approaching the door, he opens and looks inside,
A place to stay, to repair and reprise, more beside.

The innkeeper beckoned, a chair awaited, resting,
Sitting down felt like a bliss, his legs attesting.
A bed for the night, one of the rooms was prepared,
A warm meal cooked, refreshing drinks, they shared.

Several hours spent, talking with patrons alike,
Telling tale of his long, arduous, painful hike.
A night of warmth and good feeling cleansed him,
Soon tiredness would set in, he'd do it's whim.

Upstairs he was led, clean room awaited,
Climbed into bed, consciousness slowly abated.
Drifting into sleep, the feeling of peace growing,
He'd awaken the next morning, refreshment showing.

Part 8 - Renewed

Off he went again,
Refreshed and renewed,
Marching forward,
New purpose abound.

Grasping the sun's light,
Absorbing it's energy,
A smile on his face.

Holding on to the hope,
His recharging regained,
Sight restored,
His path now clear.

Harnessing the sun's warmth,
Feeding off the energy,
He'd march on.

On his way home,
He felt nearer now,
Nothing would stop him,
Nothing could stop him.

Part 9 - Anticipation

He was almost there now,
He could finally see his home.
His journey approached it's end,
He gained in pace,
His footsteps harder,
His marching faster.

This long and tiring journey,
This trek nearing final paces,
The story nearing it's end,
The beginning seems forever ago,
They weren't expecting him,
They were surely missing him.

Almost there now,
At his journey's end,
At last he could greet them,
And they could embrace him too,
Almost there now,
Almost there.

Part 10 - Homecoming

Just steps away now, he approached the gate,
His longest journey over, he could not wait.
Dusk was upon him, the night drew near,
Approaching the door, close to those held dear.

Three knocks, then a delayed fourth, secret knock,
A delay before muffled steps, key turned in lock.
The door opened slowly, soft eyes peered around,
The door swung open, face to face, not a sound.

There she stood, a beautiful woman, his wife,
The one he lived for, his love, his whole life.
It took a second to register, but soon it was there,
A loving embrace, tightly held, they didn't care.

He was home to his wife, but what of his children?
Enquiring of them, he entered their home, their den.
Their eldest sat there, head in her hands, crying.
Worst possible news, the youngest was dying.

Rushing to his bedside, he reached for child's hand,
Embracing the boy, holding tightly, ebbing time's sand.
Coughing lightly, closing his eyes, the boy lay down.
Breathing slowed, tears flowed, enough to drown.

Drifting away, boy entered slumber, peaceful, waned,
Soul drifting above, young life ended, father pained.
Holding his boy tightly, crying into his shoulder,
This shouldn't have happened, usually much older.

Looking to his wife, father saw she remained strong,
Holding back her tears, though inside she knew it wrong.
He stood and went to her, holding her tightly,
Not supposed to be like this, not ending rightly.