I Wander the Desert Alone

Aimlessly I meander in expansive barren-landscape
Whipped by the assault of rustling windy gales
Embossing sandy designs resembling ocean waves
Simulating pools of water in mirage of seascapes.

Plateaus upon reddish hills reveal cracked earth
Where decaying mangled-trees in rising heat groan
As cobalt-blue sky yields to darkened dye of dusk
And blistering winds blur vision whirling sandy dust.

From the apex of ordinary I intently walked off
Letting thirst of quest confound my whereabouts;
Lost and hungry now, signs of life I strive for
Hearing the chirps of crickets and croaks of frogs.

Exhausted I fall besides flowering cactus plants
Hosting frightened thoughts of dehydrated pleas
Awakening to twittering sounds amid birdsongs
Rising in breeze from distant oasis of Joshua trees.

As the daybreak on hazy skies paints golden sunrise
Trekking for miles and miles audacity reaches hope
Dispensing staggering words incapable to explain
Dysfunction now longing for embrace of mundane.

September 30, 2018
First place in I wander the desert alone contest, sponsored by Edward Ibeh
Also, placed first in standard contest #140 by Brian Strand
NOTE: Joshua trees are found in Mojave desert in California.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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12
George Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 4:59 AM
From the blistering sands and barren landscape, you have waken up to the lush green pastures of life ! A metaphoric write rich in deep meaning. Any subject is safe in your hands, dear friend !
Theraven Avatar
March 20, 2021 at 9:27 PM
Vijay, Wonders in all the stark detail. I thought I knew the desert., once. I will visit Joshua State Park one day, and think on this poem. -Richard
Crabtree Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 5:21 PM
You paint a very descriptive picture, Vijay. I'm glad to see you made it out of the desert and write this wonderful poem ;)
Roper Avatar
December 2, 2018 at 7:51 PM
Vijay, enjoyed reading this this wonderful well written poem that arouses strong emotions because of its beauty. Congratulations on your 1st place win.
Radke Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 2:21 PM
Belated congratulations on your 1st place win. Your words evoke such vivid imagery that I felt I was traveling with you. Well done. My best. Deb
Sands Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 2:50 PM
Congratulations for your win Vijay!
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 3:05 PM
Thank you Heidi.
Andresen Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 1:26 PM
- I knew it ... 1st place in the contest !!! - Congratulations, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 3:05 PM
Thank you Anne-Lise.
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 4:33 AM
I am so happy to know you were awarded first place for this poem Vijay! Congratulations on your deserving win!: )
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 6:46 AM
Thank you Connie.
Lindley Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 1:37 AM
You my friend, have painted a masterpiece with this superbly crafted offering! A fav... paint on my talented friend, paint on....
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Thank you Robert.
Nicole Avatar
October 14, 2018 at 6:58 PM
Your words seem to capture many moments and emotions for me. I am happy to see that this poem has won. It is well deserved. Congratulations Vijay. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Thank you Brandy.
Gauthier Avatar
October 14, 2018 at 6:32 PM
Congrats on your top win with this beautiful imagery, Vijay.
Pandit Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Thank you Line.
Raven Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 5:39 AM
Hi Vijay, such powerful imagery comes through your words in the excellent write. I read your words and I am in the heart of your poetic canvas. I would say that this little gem shall do well in the contest Vijay. Wishing you good luck my friend. May your pen ever run gold. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Your friend....Mike.
Pandit Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:07 AM
Thank you my friend--your generous feedback is much appreciated.
Callus Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 1:22 PM
Your desert imagery is captivating, Vijay. Sometimes we feel the need to get away from it all...but no man s an island! Regards // paul
Pandit Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:06 AM
Thank you Paul for your kind feedback--appreciate it, as always.
Pathak Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 12:21 AM
Reading the poem was like scanning a portrait on desert, beautiful poem indeed.
Pandit Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:05 AM
Thank you Aniruddha..appreciate the visit and feedback.
Neumann Avatar
October 8, 2018 at 9:12 AM
Wow. This is very powerful.
Pandit Avatar
October 8, 2018 at 12:41 PM
Thank you Kai..appreciate the feedback.
Gentile Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 12:51 PM
Your imagery is anything but barren Vijay!!! I am thirsty just reading it. I bet you do very well in the contest !!!
Pandit Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 3:51 PM
Thank you Mike..appreciate the kind words.
One Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 9:19 AM
It is like you took me there... Great imagery Vijay..
Pandit Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 9:39 AM
Thank you Silent One. Glad to see you in this space.
Williams Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 7:57 AM
Truly a winner in my eyes Vijay, you are a wordsmith and a Master of free Verse. I loved the bringing in of the Joshua tree. I see Winner stamped all over this wondrous poem, so imaginatively penned. Loved it from beginning to end and a fave for me. Good luck....Maria hugs
Pandit Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 9:39 AM
I'm delighted by your visit and generous comments, Maria. Thank you for your support.
Andresen Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 8:00 AM
- It sounds so beautiful ... you can enjoy this beauty alone, but ... double revelation if you have one to share with - A wonderful writing, Vijay - Best wishes in the contest, a winning poem in my eyes :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Pandit Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 2:40 PM
Thank you Anne-Lise. You bring smiles with your comments..many thanks.
Ashley Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 7:54 AM
Another beauty from your golden pen, Vijay. I adore how your poem comes full circle from wanting escape from the mundane to craving the embrace of the mundane. As always, your intense and exquisite imagery leaves me awe-inspired. A brilliant and artistic piece. Best wishes for a win.. ~Susan
Pandit Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 2:39 PM
I am very happy to read your generous comments..appreciate your visit..many many thanks, Susan.
Canerdy Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 5:06 PM
Vivid description of heart-wrenching scene, Vijay! Janice
Pandit Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 5:56 PM
Thank you Janice..appreciate the feedback.
Onclaud Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 3:09 PM
happy early wednesday in my side of town, vijay...huggs
Pandit Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 5:56 PM
Happy day to you as well, nette.
Y. Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 11:54 AM
WOW! Vijay, You penned good poem for the contest theme. The imagery is excuted well. You used the given words to convey an compelling story. I really missed reading your skillful pen. I wish you the best of luck in the contest:-) Alexis
Pandit Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 1:33 PM
Thank you Alexis..appreciate the feedback. My best wishes for you.
Kannan Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 7:48 AM
Wow... This is just wonderful... Nice flow, great imagery... Thoroughly enjoyed...
Pandit Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 1:32 PM
Thank you Supraja. Appreciate the feedback.
Kiser Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 10:50 PM
One would definitely long for the mundane, Vijay; a well done poem that flows like a river; you pull out the agony that being dehydrated in the hot dessert would bring.
Pandit Avatar
October 2, 2018 at 7:24 AM
So glad you recognize some of the emotions desert land evokes..many thanks for your comments, as always, M.L.K.
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