Footprints

Study the sand, and see the pattern left
by tiny insects and animals passing by.
They are anonymous, unsung, unknown
on the face of the earth beneath the sky.

I too leave footprints on the beach
or beside the path I daily take.
These marks are as meaningless to the world
as those the little vermin make.

Is there a sign in worlds unseen
that marks the way I choose to go
and helps another chart a course
that he may follow the way I show?

The future life is mystery now,
but there are pathways made before.
We have eyes to see and minds to know
as plain as footprints on the shore.