Two journeys

Once upon a time I shut my mouth
And went to the South.

Once upon a time I needed to rest
And went to the West.

Once upon a time I swore an oath
And went to the North.

And at last but really not at least
I went to the East.

They tried to catch me, tried to burn;
I had to return.

I had to bear so much, but, so
In one piece I'm home.

God, where I travelled on my feet;
God, how much I did!

In silent fear I close my eyes,
Seeing my sins' size.

In deaf despair I close my ears
And burst out in tears.

I scratch my body, scratch my arms,
Scratch out the scars.

Yet after all I don't feel so sad,
Don't feel so bad.

I've never had a clearer head,
I have not gone mad.

My life before had an only gain -
An old rusty chain.

I had a goal that was the main -
A dive in disdain.

So I wiped off this salty river;
Suddenly - a shiver.

I felt how someone's touched my neck,
I quickly turned back.

Now I have oceans to drink,
A thousand eyes to blink,

Now I have solar wind to breathe,
Eternity to live,

Yes, I have stardust for my meal,
And just my soul to deal.

I've heard the Voice, the sweetest sound,
The one that's profound.

"Thou art alive, shan't be a slave
Of your own grave".

I am a dust, I was a dust,
But I do what must.

There is a place to which I'm sent
To embrace the end.

A brand new home where I'm no guest,
Where I'll try to rest.

You! Don't give up if all goes worse,
And bear your cross.