66 steps...

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
I'm starting to climb
the stairs to heaven
to the top of the world
to the center of the universe

11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20
each step gives me a memory
how each of us
at some time
or another
has fallen down these stairs
stumbled up these stairs
some of us hurt
some of us laughing
till tears streamed down
our faces

21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
each step brings me memories
tears of sadness
at the loss
of good friends
of how these steps
have changed
how old and dingy they now look
worn
but comfortable
cradling your foot


31,32,
33 marks the number of years
we've spent climbing
these 66 stairs
stairs to heaven
stairs to the top of the world
stairs to the center of the universe
half way there
it's been hard
but we have so much farther
to go
to reach the heavens
the top of the world
the center of the universe
family
it started with four
now we're numberless
powerful
together

34,35,36,37,38,39,40
as the halfway point is passed
memories of births
new friends that have climbed these stairs
for the first time
breathless
"how do you do it?"
not expecting to reach heaven
the top of the world
the center of the universe
toddlers learning to walk
up and down
laughter
greetings
smiling faces
peering through the railings
"hi nana, poppy, mommy"

41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50
animals making a break for it
running
running to freedom
down those 66 steps
to be stopped by the front door
just short of freedom

51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60
up and down these stairs
life has flowed
memories have been built
up with crutches
down by medics
carried in snuggles
carrying shopping carts
on shoulders
with food
laundry
tumbling
running
laughing
crying
stumbling

61,62,63,64,65
almost there
sun shining
through the window
the call of home
is strong
warm arms
are ready to embrace you
good conversation
good food
good smells
love
laughter

66
I made it
to heaven
to the top of the world
the center of the universe
healing my wounds
exploding with good news
I can shout it out
at the top of the world
the center of the universe