And they walked...

In the hot craggy path,

I watched them walk,

barefoot, with cracked soles,

towards their revered sanctum. 

Faith, can move a mountain,

they were mere mortals, a human,

some were young, brought by parents,

others too old, alone or with children. 

It was chaotic, an ocean of people,

pulling, pushing, moving in a flow,

too cramped, smelly, with sweats,

even the heat, making them dehydrate. 

Yet, they kept on walking, 

that distance, is not hurting,

dampening spirit, for them to fall back,

demanding some rest, before proceeding. 

Just a glimpse, of the sacred grounds,

infuses energy, for them to give a shout,

raising both hands in their veneration, 

praising their lord, of the universe. 

And finally they reach the chambers,

some bow, meditate, or chant prayers,

leaving the place, for another batch,

hours of journey, ends in few minutes. 

A sense of blissful pleasure,

appears in their facial expressions,

having an audience, with their deity,

fills their heart with contentment. 

And I marvel their inner strength,

for, many were weak, old, debilitated, 

even social status were irrelevant, 

within the crowd of religious devotees. 

And they walked,

in their desired path,

to fulfill the spiritual journey,

by keep moving...for pilgrimage.