Compass Free

Beyond this moment
so flows the present
against life's shoreline

sweltering in the sun
crouched on calloused travel
words hover over paper's anxious direction
pen needles the worn language
seen through cataract's opacity

linguistic currents
like layered tongues
savoring word upon word
suddenly lurch across the page
thirsting for shade
even as a belligerent sun
tenders blistered lips
burning one's last utterance

this hesitant pause stretches
allowing sweat's cooling release
as final decay takes remedy
upon yesterday's blood and heroes

here

where ancestral sand and salt
soothes wounds
embraces quest's end
circuitous relay takes final rest
awaits tide's natural carrion

soon

made adrift
time's flaming arrow
arcs its tribute
inviting
pen
paper
heart and mind
burn as one
into the next journey

compass free