Bitter sand under burning sun, 

Footsteps vanish in the wind.

Distant snow-capped peaks, 

glistening mountains beckoning.

Salt spray coats a hardened tongue,

Waves crash on an aged hull wrung.

Rain cascades through jungle green,

Overgrown paths, clouds intervene.

Old shoebox of faded photographs, 

Under the bed where worn boots hide. 

Wrinkled fingerprints on the window-sill, 

A dull reflection stared back stupefied. 

One journey had slipped away,

Mindless distraction had led astray. 

For inside the mind lay a true frontier, 

With expanses of promise & unknown fear.

A universe to explore inside,

Paths tread by the wisest guides.

Sensing the breath, a tender smile,

Compassion blooms, even for a while.