Victoria Johnson

Oasis

 

Stranded in a desert with nothing and no one around

Mounds of sand as far as the eye can see

The wind carries particles in its breeze, gently, barely touching the ground

Legs that feel as if they’re trapped in quicksand slowly trudge along,

Fighting to break through the surface, trying not to sink too far

Searching for something, any signs of life

Water, even.

 

Trying not to lose hope

At the top of a sand dune,

High in elevation,

But low in spirit,

Something shimmers in the distance.

A trick of the eye,

The downhill descent begins.

 

Footsteps are heavier,

Moving slower than ever,

Another shimmer

Hope rises from the depths of your stomach.

 

Moving faster,

Coming closer,

Until you see it.

 

But then, you blink,

And it’s gone.

Another trick of the eye.

 

Yet you still move forward,

Slowly trudging along,

Hoping to find it.

 

And right when you need it,

It’s there.

 

You smile.