Terminus

Red gives way to purple

Staining the cordillera

Before bleeding into oblivion

While the moon has closed her eye against us

And withholds her silvery comfort

My daily pilgrimage reaches its conclusion

And will not be resumed tomorrow

I have circled and searched

Every hill and fissure

Of this land so desolate

And despite my earnest prayers

I return empty handed

No nourishment for your flame

I lie in dust

To feel the remnants of your warmth

Caress my weary and sodden face

One last breath

To sweep across the embers

A final shout

Brilliant and orange

Against the all consuming dark