The Road Ahead

Foreword

This meditation was written under constraint: no more than four words per line. The rhythm this form produces is intentional, echoing the steady pace of a pilgrim’s steps, the measured beat of breath on a long journey, and the cadence of prayer repeated in quiet worship.

What unfolds here is not merely verse, but a walking prayer. Miles become metaphors, silence becomes communion, and even flour and bread become signs of the Spirit’s work within us. Each line, short and deliberate, is meant to be read slowly — like a footfall, a heartbeat, or a whispered creed.

May you find, within these measured lines, an invitation to stillness. May the words nourish you as bread for your own journey.

~Dust

The road ahead,

The tarmac behind.

The miles traveled,

The thoughts provoked.

Weather gathered, given,

Whether winters whipping,

Or springs thaw,

Or autumn’s fading call.

Meditations measured in miles,

As earth traversed,

By tire on road,

Or sneaker on slope.

In space ’tween conversations,

When silence prevails,

My Muse turns toward

The Lord’s precious Son.

Him in me,

Him in you,

Him in us,

And Him within.

Over traveled distance,

When heart is questioned,

When love beckons,

And grief challenges.

Whether seeking directions,

Through learning or teaching,

We are taught

By the Actor’s act.

By being we become,

Measured flour sifted,

Awaiting Spirit’s yeast,

Whisked in Father’s presence.

Baked into legged loaves,

Eyes of mercy,

Buttered with rainbow’s diversity,

Crusted with salted compassion.

So miles are flour,

Distance a measure sifted,

Life is mixing,

Meditations are memories baked.

We become those,

Sustenance for the starved,

Consumed yet undiminished,

Shared in holy communion

Four words at a time, a pilgrim’s prayer unfolds.

This piece was written as a journey…each line a step, each stanza a mile.

If it speaks to you, I’d be honored if you shared it onward, so others might walk these words with us.