“The Pilgrim’s Path”

Many men over the years
Helped guide me on my way,
Walking with me as I grew,

As I learned,
As I flourished,
As I failed;

Ever present, kind, and helpful;

Teaching me what it means
To be a man, Mason and Master;

Master Mason,
Master of the Lodge,
Master of myself.

“Your work is never done,”
They say,
Always building,
Ever higher,
Perfecting my ashlar
With every strike of the gavel,
Squaring up those rough edges.

I may get there,
One day,
But I doubt it;
Certainly not on this
Side of eternity.

But what if it’s not about
Ever getting there.
What if I never arrive
In the promised land?
Would it be any less real?

Perhaps the promised land
Isn’t so much a destination,
But the stones of the road,
Beneath the pilgrim’s feet.

Perhaps the truest promise,
Is the promise that I may
Be among the many men
Who will help another find his way.

Written by: VW Daniel J Martin, 32°

Assistant Grand Lecturer, Old 17th Masonic District, Grand Lodge of New York
Worshipful Master, Bethlehem Lodge No 85, Delmar, New York
Past Most Wise Master, Rosecroix, Valley of Albany, New York, AASR, NMJ
Treasurer, Ancient Temple 5, Albany, New York, RAM
Brother, Charles Harry Copestake Council 69, AMD
Fellow, Grand College of Rites