Desert Quest

 Desert Quest

ahead, 

elongated shadows of setting sun,

trail covered by eons of blown dust.

beneath my feet,

ancient footprints in desert sand,

evidence of those who came before.

around,

harsh desiccated landscape

of indescribable beauty.

spiked branches, sparse foliage

twisted contorted cacti

forbidding yet inviting.

dust devils swirling,

randomly blending

earth and air.

confident strides

leading farther from the known,

closer to the divine,

into unknown hardship,

unintended consequence,

unimagined transformation.

behind,

only footprints,

pathway for those who follow.

© 2024