Ladder to Light © 08 Beryl Dyson

Life is like a ladder,
Both vary in their Length,
Each step a different pointer
Depending on its strength.

Hesitant first step taken,
Through wonder, fate or love,
To cross the first wide chasm
And reach the step above.

Eager steps to adolescence,
Some fraught with tears or pain,
Advice considered nonsense
When life is still a game.

Half the ladder mastered
The prime of life still yours,
Time seems to move much faster
With ever closing doors.

Unnoticed, life’s peak turned,
The uphill struggle ends.
With disbelief we spurn
Those three score years and ten.

Hope that a promised ladder
Awaits our final breath,
With steps to life hereafter,
Of light or peace through death.