Promenade

I understand now that 
life is a circle 
not a carnival ride
there are no tickets 
to hold and punch
starting somewhere ending another 
round round we go 
stopping to take on
new to let off
old merrily we go 
and then at last 
we end where started 
all alone with ourselves 
but wiser and stronger 
and happier and loved
for having the courage 
to walk this promenade