Camino de Santiago: The Way Home
©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson, reworked in 2024
In days of yore, the pilgrims walked The Way
to show their piety, their love of God.
They took their sins and burdens, seeking grace,
renewing faith on every path they trod.
Their hearts were open, seeking hope and truth.
No obstacle deterred them from that goal.
Theirs was a mighty quest, a witness borne,
a promise made and carried in the soul.
Though times have changed, a few things never will.
Men still require a rock on which to stand.
Pilgrims on earth, they yearn for warmth and peace.
All children crave the touch of Father’s hand.
An emptiness is felt, an aching need,
with foolish ways to fill it, and with wise.
The world has naught to compensate the loss.
For light – the living Source is in the skies.
And so men think and plan and dream and pray,
in search of means to find heaven on earth.
They are but strangers in a foreign land –
missing a haven shared before their birth.
Earth life is pilgrimage – a journey home.
All men must take it, each in his own way.
Camino is the same, a simile,
with burdens and with blessings every day.
Some travel well, some wounded, some distressed.
The happiest find strength in those around.
They give and they receive in equal part;
for in their offering, love and joy are found.
They bring us home, as those before have done –
each seeking spirit fed and fed again.
Like theirs, may our own footsteps mark The Way,
leading us to God’s loving arms. Amen.
Tags: Camino de Santiago, Catholicism, discipleship, divine guidance, faith, God, life, obedience, pilgrimage, pilgrims, repentance, sacrifice, The Way, walking Home
