Companion Fare

It’s a long and fearful road
Stretching out
in front of me.
I try to chart a non-stop trip
But there are no direct routes
from here to there-
Too many stops,
Too many exchanges
Too many delays-
Even all charted out
It is a big unknown.

It’s too much for this child
To face alone.
No tag around my neck
Will put a hand in mine
And hold me when I’m lost.
But there’s no free ride
If I want to have you with me.
Can I afford to bring you along?
Can I afford not to?