Inspiration From the Alchemist

The desert ate you my dear

Wind shaped horizons and prickly plants dot the stretching landscape

Wide and long and far as the eye can see

Empty earth beaten by the most relentless hands of the sun

reminds me that you are not there.

On your bike you rode away

Searching for dreams and adventures and women and dances under the moon

But I see the desert

Before skyscrapers and track communities and irrigation took it away

And at least now, the view expands further into the sky

Where I look out for your return

Whether or not it’s just a mirage

Whether or not I fall in love again with someone new

Even though I fear you will too

Or that the years will be so many

Undeterred

I will pray to the desert

Patiently wait

that the dry and absent air will carry you back to my open arms.

For both you and the sand have taught me a great lesson

Cherish every drop.

Your memories will be like the morning dew that sustains the cacti

And I will walk alone along the edges of ancient river beds that whisper to me

How time has turned seas to dust and dust to seas.