Losing My Path in a Barren Desert

The desert had no mercy
When I lost my path.
It was immense and destructive,
And it cared for no one

The molten sand was relentless
It swirled around me,
The wind sent the sand against my face,
It distracted me from finding my path

I felt the sun as close to me
As if the sun was floating above my head,
It was lifeless,
And the tree was pale ad colorless

I moved over dry ground,
And under the hot sunlight
To find my path;
In the desert survival was unusual,

I saw water
Taking deep breaths
And I moved to it,
But it disappeared.

I lost hope
I felt unprotected
I was thirsty
Life was dusty

I tried to find and I kept moving
Until I saw a small mountain,
The mountain became higher,
And bigger when I got closer

Its magnificence surrounded me;
A small breeze touched my skin;
The wind brought sounds of life,
And beauty to my ears

Trees were vibrant
And filled with birds
The air was replenished with
the sound of rushing water

When I arrived at the strong mountain
It was luscious and teeming with life
I felt protected
Hope came back to me

I reached the top
I found my new path,
But I lost my old path
Life is a barren desert without friends

You can lose your friends along the way;
As if you lost your path in a desert.
You can come across friends,
That appear to be mirages.

You can come across friends,
That are strong as mountains.
When you have hope,
You can reach the top.

 

Photography © Glenn Bowie

Photography © Glenn Bowie

 

Mohammed Alotaibi is currently studying English Literature at Gannon University.

Glenn Bowie is a published poet, lyricist and photographer from the Boston area. He also owns and operates an elevator company that supplies custom-built elevators for clients from New England to Hollywood. Author of two poetry and photograph collections (Under the Weight of Whispers and Into the Thorns and Honey) on Big Table Publishing, he donates all profits from his books to various charities for the homeless and local animal shelters. Glenn is also the official photographer for the Newton Writing and Publishing Center.