Sacrifice

It’s nothing but desert for kilometers, nothing as far as you can see.
Not even the sparse brush to keep you company
Wondering further and further
Wondering if it was all for not

Hours turn to days
Then slowly days turned to weeks
Must find where it came from
It came from this way, I’m sure it was this way?

Plague and famine have ravished the towns in the basin
Nothings left with the droughts that hit
There should be something out here, a river, if gods be plentiful, a puddle if they can at least be gentle…..snakes if their more devils than gods

Lips cracked and moving as though joints were filled with sand 
I see it, the oasis
It’s said to only show in times of desperate need
But there's also a curse

If your to take from the gods, even if it is to save
You must leave something dear
Hesitating, I clutch my last piece of my lost family
A little wooden block with teeth marks

It’s not just the block that must be left
It’s the memories tied to the item that must also be left
What a cruel joke
What cruel salvation

Taking the last few steps to the bubbling little river
Right up to the stacked stones
Tears run hot and ragged down my face
As I raise my hand, gently placing the block on the slab

I don't understand, there's nothing here? Just an alter
My face feels wet? Why was I crying?
No time, must hurry
I lead my horse to the water, refilling packs, loading the wagon

All while tears just streamed down my cheeks
I hope this helps them
That little town, I know no one there, not even from there
But they shouldn’t suffer like home did

But…what happened at home?
Where is home?
I don’t remember
Must have been part of the price.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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