The man looked backward on his walk
While resting on his cane.
A little boy looked up at him,
But he did not know his name.

“Grandpa,” said the little boy,
“Did you make this path?”
The old man said, “Yes, long ago.
I’ll let you do the math.”

“Where does it end?” said the boy
While smiling up at him.
The old man said, “This one’s mine,
But it ends where yours begins.”

He said, “I made it long ago when
Just a child like you.
Through all those years I wore it down
When I had not much to do.

“I leave this path to you now.
It’s been quite good to me.
I’ve turned the grass to dirt and stone
While setting troubles free.

“So take my hand and walk with me
To just around the bend.
I’ll show you where your path begins
And where my path shall end.”