desert sun

whose face is that i see beneath

the scorching desert sun?

a silhouette upon the sand

shadowed in the burning light

robed in white and golden silk

eyes bright and round as pearls

their scarf so long flows in the wind

curling and twisting like a tendril

they’d made this journey many times

they’d do it hundreds more

through burning sand and blinding sun

through curse left by the ancients

they’d push through violent winds and snow

a hundred times again

they make it look so simple,

the mountain not so steep

i want to join them in their steps

to follow one so wise

there’s nothing else so painful as

a journey by myself

but they act as if it’s easy

a mountain oh so steep

they wonder why i stumble

in the overwhelming heat

they wonder why i tremble

in the violent freezing winds

they turn to me and ask

why its so difficult a task

but i do not respond

beneath the scorching desert sun