Its powerful message lies within the simplicity of the story- just when the hero or heroine believes themselves to be utter abandoned, it is then that they are least abandoned. Anyone can relate to the poem as there are no specifics- we don't know what troubles the writer is going through, and so we can put the poem into our own context or can read it just as a general reflection on life's ups and downs.
The poem also inspired the song 'Footprints in the sand' by Leona Lewis.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
- Mary Stevenson
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved
