I traveled with Pleasure who chatted the whole time.

I traveled with Pain who was as silent as a mime.

I traveled with Sadness who whispered despair night and day.

I traveled with Contentment, his presence sporadic along the way.

I traveled with Freedom and paid its price.

I traveled in Chains, walking on thin ice.

I traveled at Dusk, my eyes heavy, my throat hot and dry.

I traveled at Dawn, the sun reclaiming the sky.

I have walked with all these before you came into my life.

I felt every ach and every ounce of strife.

Now I walk the same, but not alone.

Now, with a soft hand in mine, I skip into the unknown.