The Lesson of the Sand

"I have crossed deserts of myself to get here."

I have crossed deserts of myself to get here. 
I have stepped over my own carcass a million times
Circling over the dunes, like a vulture,
Hungry for myself. 

It has rained nearly 40 years,
Still no water appears.

I look at myself and see a mirage -
There is no oasis in my skin;
I have only been trying to fit in. 

I walk away from myself the closer I get.
The wind has sculpted me down to a grain of sand - 
I have lost myself in the desert of my own ashes.

I retrace my steps and lift handfuls of sand
I ask each grain the same question,
“Did you see where I fell?”
One by one they whisper, “Leave.”

This is the lesson of the sand. 

©2024   @StaceyBattlestheWorld