I try and see the road ahead of me. It is small and narrow, and often disappears.

It likes to trick the wanderer, and it only leads to doom and death.

I wish I had not come to this end, but had stayed home, safe, instead.

But I made a promise that I don't mean to break.

I promised to help you along the way, however hard it may be.

Promises can bind more than they let on.

They can drag you from security to death, on a quest that is not your own.

They keep you there, despite your fear

And will not let you turn back.



They road grows thin and rocky, making it hard to press on.

I am tired, as are you, and we only wish to stop and rest,

But we must continue despite our troubles.

I see you stumble and fall, sprawling out on the ground.

Running to your side, I give you my hand.

Seeing your grateful smile and feeling your hand in mine

Reminds me why I made that promise.

It was not a moment of stupidity, as I thought,

But a moment of rare wisdom.



Though the road may be difficult, and sometimes not be there,

And despite the fact that we are lost and weary,

I will not leave you. I will stay by your side until the end.

I know where we are going, and I know I may not return,

But I will continue onwards as long as you must do so.

For more than promises keep me here, my friend, more than a vow of words.

There are bonds of friendship and love that I will not break.

I cannot leave you on your own to face a danger, large or small.

I am staying with you.