ACCOMPANIED

You start your pilgrimage.

She bathes you with water.

You need nourishment.

She feeds you with bread and wine.

You agree to go the distance.

She guides you with words and oil.

You choose a challenging turn.

She bolsters you with careful witness.

Your falls bring blood and bruises.

She cleans and heals your wounds.

You labor to breathe at the end.

She steadies your last steps.

And then she lets you go.

Her work here is done.

But still she cheers you on.