THE OCEAN OF SAND

We went into the battle of survival
Marching through oceans of sand
On an uncharted terrain
Surviving on the hope of victory
Hungry, dehydrated and
Smoldered by the day.

Look around you
Scattered remnant of voyagers gone
Decorate the golden ocean in a gory!
The future grant us strength
The present deride our strength
On and on brothers and sisters.

The next beautiful skull
Lies in my path with fried hairs.
Where is this vanquished soldier of fortune from?
Buried and mourned nowhere
Deep in the middle of the golden waters
Providing food for fellow travelers in the air.

Memories momentarily strangle the present,
Transport me over time to that memorable night.
I remember that last night, that last kiss.
And I remember her tearful good bye
I remember her prayer for victory
She waits for the spoils of this battle.

Memories put the battle in perspective
The future beacons like a mirage
Blindfolded with hope, one step after the other
Our enervated tyres held in rope bare shoes
Might carry us through this carnage

Weary soldiers of adventure
Searching for greener pasture far away.
Battered and held in scorn
By host
By knowledge of injustice
Political, Economic and Historical at home
We hold lifeline like chalice. But

Will we find our heart desire?

Inaju R. Ethiopia ‘07