Pilgrimage

 The ways of the world had grown empty to me and an insatiable hunger gnawed at my soul. Every once comforting item now held nothing but memories, bitter to the touch. And so, lest my soul burst from despair and frustration, I sold all I owned and began a pilgrimage across the land. To where, I did not quite know.

I left behind the tropical splendors that were only empty promises, left the riches and glamour. No more wine attempted and failed to quench my thirst, nor did food of a king pass my lips. Vanity city became a place in the back of my mind like a forgotten nightmare.

 With the driving desperation, I walked to the deadly desert, where no one else dared dwell. The hot, sinking sands burned my bare feet but I did not cry. The sun beat down without mercy upon my uncovered head and still, I pressed onwards.

 And I saw the oasis in the distance and ran, heart leaping….and then it shattered when I saw the dried up patch. The oasis, its’ waters promising sweet revival, was as decrepit and decayed as the condition of my heart. Three days, I sat there in hope of rain but it did no come and I moved on.

 Deeper into the heart of the wild wastelands, feet torn and bleeding, I continued. Shifting sand gave way to rocks and dangerous thorns. The sky clouded overhead but still, no rain fell and the air was too hot, pressing on my lungs. Doubts began to crowd into my mind and still, I knew the answer must lie here somewhere.

 And then I lay there, fallen because of the weight of my restlessness. Unable to move, I stared up at the sky with unblinking eyes and watched the clouds slowly float by. The rain did not come. Parched mouth opened slowly, gasping for air, water, life, any hint of the answers I sought but all that escaped was a whimper.

 And suddenly, with a mighty crash and a crack, the skies tore open and the rains fell upon my rotting body. Wave after wave of love washed over me, stripping away my sorrows, mistakes, every dark mark and for the first time in months, I could breathe. My pilgrimage was complete and I was washed clean, a new creation, ready to face the world once more.