Image credit: Kamin Jaroensuk/Shutterstoc.com

I have traveled these bleak expanses
For days, my throat parched and my lips dry and cracked
Sheltering my body as best I can
From relentless sun and sand filled wind
Battering my face
Looking for something, anything, in this place
That might approximate belief, or wisdom, even grace

Every night I have prayed to unhearing gods
Each day I walk on unencumbered still by doubt
For it was promised so long ago that on these plains
Would be the key to all of time and space
Or something yet that held the taste
Of belief, or wisdom or even grace

I cannot recall true comfort or a belly full
These days I am a hermit wanderer bent upon pursuit
Of something I’ve forgotten
Yet still I walk on, relentless against sand and wind
My raw and aching face
Faithful yet, that I might find the answer in this place
To bring me belief, wisdom, and even, yes
A little
Just a very little grace

(c) Helen Valentina 2018