The Orphan

We walk through life floating on air oblivious to the tears of the lonely child his life shattered by the loss of kith and kin Where are my parents he cries. Dragging himself along he sees only a mirage that disappears at his approach What's to become of me he cries as he hears the roll of thunder. Dark clouds billow overhead he has no place to shelter He's blown by the wind and slapped by swirling dust seeking an elusive dream of hope. Head bent in despair his lean body grows weaker by the minute he has not eaten or tasted water for days except for a few drops of rain that briefly wetted his lips leaving him more parched than before yet he hangs on to his fading wits. Will I always be alone he shouts at the skies as the vultures move in for a strike His clothes hang from his bony frame flapping in the wind like a wind vane that brings an airplane to safe landing. What is to become of me how did I get here where are those who bore me the ones I held so dear Perhaps they are in the howling wind or in the stars above Maybe in the lights that flicker over the dyke Maybe I won’t find them 'til the time is right. Oh, to be loved once more, to feel the tender touch of gentle hands that once caressed my brow My tears have dried I have cried too much my throat is parched I feel only thirst for love Will I ever find the ones who loved me. Yet hope keeps his steps constant Maybe over that hill my search will end maybe my loved ones await me on the other side Clawing the sand with bony fingers he hauls himself up over the hill. Alas, I feel it in my bones though no longer existent I hear it in the echo off the mountains ..I am the echo I hear it in the howling wind -- I am the wind now I see it in the valley beyond --I am in the valley.... eternal. I am home at last.