Larry Looney - Kilkelly

Pilgrim steps

As I walk along this path, footsteps in the dark,
in the sunset’s aftermath, isolation stark,
I will stretch my trembling hand into things unknown,
and within my yearning heart, pray I’m not alone.

Just a pilgrim, I have sought to find a place
where my poor dim eye could view your holy face.
I have come to know your presence deep inside,
strong and quiet, flowing like the ocean’s tide.

Pilgrim steps, they lead me forward,
climbing up a path that’s often hard to see –
in my heart I hear your softly spoken words:
‘Put away your fear and come to me…’

Pausing at a mountain shrine  (howling winds and snow),
ageless, holy eyes meet mine and bathe me in their glow.
Through the velvet dark I hear a simply spoken prayer,
in a voice to sweet and clear: ‘Teach my heart to share.’

Through the ever-blinding haze, upon the wheel we turn –
I fall into the stopa’s gaze, the truth begins to burn:
Jesus, Buddha, Manitou, Krishna, moon and sun –
all creation fills my view, all the gods are one.

Pilgrim steps, they lead me forward,
climbing up a path that’s often hard to see –
in my heart I hear your softly spoken words:
‘Put away your fear and come to me…’

How the ones I treasure shine before my eyes,
a love too deep to measure, lighting up the skies!
I will hold their love so fast, but softly, in my heart –
hesitation now is past, every step’s a start.

Pilgrim steps, they lead me forward,
ever up a path that’s often hard to see –
in my heart I hear your softly spoken words:
‘Put away your fear and come to me, dear child,
won’t you give me all your fear and call to me…
and call me by the name that sits with comfort on your tongue,
call me from the heart that knew me well when you were young,
call me with the love that by itself could set you free…
call and I will turn my eyes to thee.

1 October 2001


Larry Looney

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