The Mirage

This barren desert hot and dry
as noonday sun is beating down;
I’ve walked for miles, no one in sight,
and over head the buzzards fly
awaiting death to end my plight.
My throat is dry, my skin parched brown
while on my face I wear death’s frown.
I long for water wet and cool
to quench the thirst of this old fool
who took off on this trek alone
to cross this desert on his own.
But wait...what yonder do I see
off in the distance, lush with tree;
perhaps some water could it be?
And shade to cool me from the sun?
It can’t be far until l’m done;
I guess it not but just a mile
before I reach this desert isle.
But wait...what grief as I approach
it seems oasis growing dim;
the visions on my dreams encroach
and disappear with reaper’s hymn.

My gait is lessened to a crawl 
through desert sand on hands and knee
that burns my flesh as I advance.
With weakness, on my face I fall
and wonder why I took the chance.
But still in yonder sand I see
the lush oasis luring me,
yet in my mind I know not real,
this damned mirage my dreams to steal.
My life is flashing ‘fore my eyes;
the end is nearer I surmise.
I think of her, the moments shared
and her vile voice that said she cared;
I thought our hearts forever paired,
but like this vision in the sand…
‘twas mere mirage on barren land.
The noonday sun I cannot bear
as grains of sand mix in my hair,
and now I know that doom awaits;
the buzzards lurk as death bells chime;
my weary soul left to the fates
as reaper’s hymn tells me it’s time.


January 4, 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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James Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 10:29 AM
I felt I was on this journey with you John in the searing heat and dryness of the desert. Well written, great imagery and perfect rhymes again from the master of rhymes. Hugs, Emilia : )
Gondolf Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 1:41 PM
Your thoughts and comments bring a smile, Emilia, thank you, I appreciate you. Hugs, John
Mbaht Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 8:41 PM
I have been in this situation, not the danger side. But to see a shearing shed 1500ft in the air is nothing short of amazing. It sinks as you get closer, then when it gets close to the ground, disappears. You don't see it again for 2 to 5 miles, depending on the atmosphere, then there it is in reality on the ground.
Gondolf Avatar
March 24, 2020 at 7:58 AM
The atmosphere and our minds can play strange tricks on our imagination.
Mbaht Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 8:34 PM
We who write in rhyme are a scarce breed, generally not popular anymore. You don't only write rhyming style, but you do it so well. Love all your writing John, not just this one.
Gondolf Avatar
March 24, 2020 at 8:11 AM
Thanks, Warren, there is a certain satisfaction in constructing a really nice rhyme, I guess I am just "old school." I appreciate your thoughts and comments. John
Roper Avatar
February 5, 2020 at 9:42 PM
Amazing, John, congratulation on your win. Hugs Eve
Gondolf Avatar
February 8, 2020 at 10:14 AM
Thank you so much, Eve.
Watt Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 4:07 PM
22 lines wasn't enough of a challenge, so you doubled down? Wow! An incredible write, John, with impeccable rhyme/rhythm and a captivating story. Love the original object (desert mirage) and the discovered object (the lost love) flowing so seamlessly. This is a fave. Congrats! John
Gondolf Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 4:44 AM
Thanks, John, I appreciate your thoughts and comments, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for the fave. John
Watson Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 1:51 PM
What a brilliant storyline, John. It kept me gripped as I crawled the scorching trail with you! Excellent rhythm and rhyme as always!
Gondolf Avatar
January 28, 2020 at 4:02 AM
Thanks, Wendy, I’m glad you enjoyed it. John
Lillico  Avatar
January 14, 2020 at 3:31 PM
Oasis breeze amidst dry sand Granted to all by Poet’s hand. Thanks, John.
Gondolf Avatar
January 14, 2020 at 4:32 PM
Thank you, Margarita, I like the rhyming comment. :) Hugs, John
Wolf Avatar
January 12, 2020 at 1:05 PM
Ah, a classic tale of betrayal. Superb, John. Thanks, Gershon
Gondolf Avatar
January 12, 2020 at 1:20 PM
Thanks, Gershon.
Proxenos Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 12:12 PM
Hi John, a remarkable write truly brilliant and congrats on your win in the contest. Wishing you a blessed 2020 my friend, Blessings, Jennifer.
Gondolf Avatar
January 8, 2020 at 4:54 AM
Thank you, Jenn, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year to you and your family. Hugs, John
Roper Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 7:06 PM
John, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest. Hugs Eve
Gondolf Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 7:22 PM
Thank you, Eve. Hugs, John
Chiri Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 8:22 AM
Aha John! Congratulations on your top win!;)
Gondolf Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 8:30 AM
Thank you, Brenda!
Nicole Avatar
January 4, 2020 at 12:37 PM
Oh my!!! The imagination can certainly trace every corner in your mind- when everything is out of focus. Such vivid images you paint with your words my dear friend. With "Strict Rhyme and Meter" too. Well done. I am just a simple writer. :) Brandy
Gondolf Avatar
January 4, 2020 at 3:20 PM
Thank you for your thoughts my sweet friend. You are indeed a simple writer...a simple writer of beautiful, deep emotions. Hugs, John
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