Tether Free
By Odin Roark

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 time's natural carrion.

Soon,
sent aloft,
creation’s flaming arrow
arcs its tribute,
inviting pen and paper,
heart and mind,
yesterday’s today
to burn as one
into the next journey…

tether free.