Life on a Stairway

Make too many homes in too many places

We must build here and build again there,

With our half-finished selves like a half-finished stair.

We give no landing long, pausing only for breath,

Knowing that one unknown landing will drop to our death.

Stop at the turn of the stair.

Break from the climb.

Grasp on the rail.

Look for a moment from the landing.

There is life on each step,

But how would we know it?

Each step is a step we should not lightly forget.

Rest not at the landing for long,

But take in the ascent, breathe, and be gone.

Rise up the stairs with glory anew

Think not on that landing waiting upward for you.