in search of

a well traveled path
taken by many. cold,
wet leaves upon bare
feet. walking along

with no destination
in mind. the only goal,
to clear the cobwebs
that litter the many

thoughts that
criss-cross a mind
that long ago
lost it's way.

hoping to regain
a certain dignity.
the funny thing
about pride,

is the all
enveloping nature.
the consumption of
all else, eating

everything it can
get it's green
hands upon. no matter
how carefully we
plan the route

something always
goes awry. whimpering
in the night
at imaginary monsters.

only to awaken
to a reality that
is far worse
than any nightmare

could ever be.
the last tear dried
upon a windburnt
cheek, so long

ago. emotions
are a requisite
down the road you
tread. cautious nature

threatens to break
apart the tightly
wound cocoon we've
spun. cast off your

shackles and
dare to breathe
a free air, to
taste purity.