Homeward-bound

I'm homeward-bound. My feet at last my previous steps retracing;

Steps that were once so swift and sprite now lag and drag, delaying.

Wasn't long ago that I, with head held up and spirit high,

Rushed with young and brave new heart to taste the world's endless supply.

Oh, it was fun at first to try the little, grayish pleasures.

Songs that were not all bad and shows with PG-13 labels.

Then there was pull to loosen up, as entertainment languished,

'Til all the morals I was taught were by the devil vanquished.

Then there were "friends" who called me names for "being so straight and narrow",

And curiosity as well plagued my mind with temptations;

"Just take a sip of this cocktail, it looks so fun and harmless;

Take one more step, or don't you know that purity is charmless."

So, one by one my morals fell, my body sold to pleasure,

'Til no inheritance was left: I'd sold my greatest treasure;

Bit by bit I'd sold my soul, my mind, my heart, my body,

And when at last I looked, Alas! by my side was nobody!

Deep in the mire of my sin, I looked up to the heavens,

And I recalled the good old days I'd once lived with my father.

But with a heavy heart I thought, could He still love, forgive me?

Me, the spoiled child who wasted all the great wealth He had gi'en me?

There are so many more deserving daughters, sons, and servants

Who never left His side, who always faithfully obeyed Him;

For them, He will provide, but will the prodigal restore He?

Then, a clear memory appeared, His loving gaze before me.

So homeward-bound, my feet at last my previous steps retracing;

Though they are slow and I'm engrossed, apology rehearsing,

Strong, loving arms now hug my frame; my breathless Father meets me.

"Son, I'm so glad you've made it home! Come in, let me redeem thee!"