As I Walk in the Field of Stars
(Camino de Santiago de Compostela)
(The Walk of St. James in the field of stars)
The pilgrimage starts at home
Before I’m out there on my own
Before the airplanes and iron rails
Before my first step on the trail
I pack my bag and say goodbye
Torn by excitement and the urge to cry
I’ll miss you all, each in your way
As I journey for many days
The time is now, this time for me
To set my wondering spirit free
To ask some questions, take time to hear
The thoughts revealed, the message clear
Quiet reflection upon my life
The wondrous joys and painful strife
There will be days I’ll shed some tears
And take the chance to release some fears
God’s gifts of love and strength to care
To seek right and kindness everywhere
He’ll guide each step, and fill my soul
As I journey toward my goal
While I travel the path with care
I’ll hold your names in my prayers
When meeting people in far off places
I’ll be remembering all your faces
I’ll keep my stories with you to share
When journey ends and I am there
And when I travel home to you
I’ll be ready to start life renewed
- Roxey Edwards (April 2016)
*************************************************************
Belonging
I saw them on the platform, shells tied to their packs
As the train below the airport, rumbled towards us down the tracks.
We stepped on board, found a seat, and as the train pulled out
I felt a strong belonging; knew them without a doubt.
For these were fellow pilgrims, heading to St. Jean
To stay the night and rest a bit, by the next day moving on.
There was excitement in the air, and a little worry too
As we quietly considered, what we were about to do.
Each of us had our own thoughts, no doubt we shared some fears
Some had just decided, some had planned the trip for years.
And as the rising sun, lit up the morning sky
We laced up boots, shouldered packs, and then began to climb.
For many days we shared the way, and evenings during meals
We spoke of what we’d done so far, not believing it was real.
We’d walked for many miles you see, though sun and wind and rain
We’d conquered hills, strolled through trees and crossed the grassy plain.
We’d walk with one a day or more, then another would take their place
Yet when we entered Santiago, we welcomed each smiling face.
For every pilgrim on the path, even those we didn’t meet
Was part of our pilgrim family, born of our travelling feet.
My heart leapt as I left the city, when from the window of the bus
I saw incoming pilgrims, reach their journey’s end like us.
I saw their hopeful, searching eyes, their tired bodies sway
I longed to call out to them, and cheer them on their way.
I knew where they were going, and what they soon would do
They’ll arrive at the cathedral, Compostelas now in view.
They’ll go to mass and say their prayers, among all their new friends
As we had done, and more will do, all pilgrims to the end.
I saw them in the airport, waiting for the plane
Worn boots tied to their backpacks, and the seashells once again.
Belonging through our journey, and now in travelling home
Even if we walked all by ourselves, we never walked alone.
Roxey Edwards (June 2016)
(Camino de Santiago de Compostela)
(The Walk of St. James in the field of stars)
The pilgrimage starts at home
Before I’m out there on my own
Before the airplanes and iron rails
Before my first step on the trail
I pack my bag and say goodbye
Torn by excitement and the urge to cry
I’ll miss you all, each in your way
As I journey for many days
The time is now, this time for me
To set my wondering spirit free
To ask some questions, take time to hear
The thoughts revealed, the message clear
Quiet reflection upon my life
The wondrous joys and painful strife
There will be days I’ll shed some tears
And take the chance to release some fears
God’s gifts of love and strength to care
To seek right and kindness everywhere
He’ll guide each step, and fill my soul
As I journey toward my goal
While I travel the path with care
I’ll hold your names in my prayers
When meeting people in far off places
I’ll be remembering all your faces
I’ll keep my stories with you to share
When journey ends and I am there
And when I travel home to you
I’ll be ready to start life renewed
- Roxey Edwards (April 2016)
*************************************************************
Belonging
I saw them on the platform, shells tied to their packs
As the train below the airport, rumbled towards us down the tracks.
We stepped on board, found a seat, and as the train pulled out
I felt a strong belonging; knew them without a doubt.
For these were fellow pilgrims, heading to St. Jean
To stay the night and rest a bit, by the next day moving on.
There was excitement in the air, and a little worry too
As we quietly considered, what we were about to do.
Each of us had our own thoughts, no doubt we shared some fears
Some had just decided, some had planned the trip for years.
And as the rising sun, lit up the morning sky
We laced up boots, shouldered packs, and then began to climb.
For many days we shared the way, and evenings during meals
We spoke of what we’d done so far, not believing it was real.
We’d walked for many miles you see, though sun and wind and rain
We’d conquered hills, strolled through trees and crossed the grassy plain.
We’d walk with one a day or more, then another would take their place
Yet when we entered Santiago, we welcomed each smiling face.
For every pilgrim on the path, even those we didn’t meet
Was part of our pilgrim family, born of our travelling feet.
My heart leapt as I left the city, when from the window of the bus
I saw incoming pilgrims, reach their journey’s end like us.
I saw their hopeful, searching eyes, their tired bodies sway
I longed to call out to them, and cheer them on their way.
I knew where they were going, and what they soon would do
They’ll arrive at the cathedral, Compostelas now in view.
They’ll go to mass and say their prayers, among all their new friends
As we had done, and more will do, all pilgrims to the end.
I saw them in the airport, waiting for the plane
Worn boots tied to their backpacks, and the seashells once again.
Belonging through our journey, and now in travelling home
Even if we walked all by ourselves, we never walked alone.
Roxey Edwards (June 2016)
