Deserted

some claim to know deserted
sensing it like a desert island
abandoned
desolate
empty

but by what
by whom

one's mirror cannot lie
reflection displays
but a single island
in life's stream of many
floating uniquely surrounded
by time's cyclic expanse
humanity's ebb and tide
grooming its shoreline
testing its last defense
then embracing
with tenderness

this summit
this mountain peak
jutting skyward out of groundswell
froth and spray
vibrates with swaying choruses
tenacious palm fronds harmonizing continuously
shadow dancing on sands of survival
an endless love movement
some feel foreign to

if only...

the self
builds endless shleters of endurance
welcoming sunrise and sunset
even as storms of corrupted air
bring wayward conquerors
through the fog
takers of innocence
ready to trample upon friendly greeting
claiming
what is found
is theirs

how patient
this place
of buried strength
some deem deserted
while others embrace its sanctuary of oneness
longing neither escape
nor discovery

that special centeredness
where the self stands atop
life's Mount Everest with gratitude
free to plant a flag
marvel at simplicity
nurture sustainment
honor realization

therein
only nonexistence is deserted