The Traveler
The juice from the fruit covers his face
The sweet nectar locked in his hairs
He has hungered for ages it seems
He gorges himself so as to never forget
He knows he must travel forward
So he takes a deep breath and begins his journey
As he climbs from the tightness of the ravine he stops
He kisses his path as he travels
Life has taught him that the path will not always be there
So as he leaves the forest he hesitates
One more taste of fruit before the transition
The valley plateaus to a barren landscape
Arching almost aching to be traveled
Flattened, smooth and glistening, a place to rest
A small pool in the distance a taste
Just enough wetness to tease the lips
A saltiness fills the air and the pool
Leaving a thirst that can’t be quenched
And a hunger that pushes him on
Eventually moving forward as the path shifts
To the foot of the mountains
Ascending into the heavens almost floating
The climb is excruciatingly slow
Spending time exploring every inch of the climb
Once at the summit the air is thin
The breathing becomes more difficult
The glory of the peak commands attention
Before descending towards the cliffs below
The climb is slow and methodical, never a rush
He finds the path that leads to a crevice
Filled with flowers and sweetness
He could be lost here forever and not care
His eyes are closed as he fights his way free
And as he opens his eyes he sees what he has longed for
He stares into the deep pools of blue
Knowing that he has finished the journey
Knowing that the journey has not yet begun
Knowing that the journey will never end
Knowing that he has made it home
Wanting to be lost in the wilderness again