The Road Ahead

I see it stretched before me
Like it was yesterday and the day before and the day before that.
I see no end in sight and sigh with resignation
I take the new steps of this day and lost in my thoughts
I travel many miles, alone within myself.
The sun rises and beats down on me relentlessly with no reprieve
The breeze teases me with small bursts of cool, then retreats
I am tired down to my bones. I am thirsty and feeling alone, beside myself with grief.
The road stretches onward, cutting no quarter for me.
I meet no travelers along the way but across the fields I see other roads.
People, walking hand in hand with joy upon their faces, wave at passersby.
I try to call out but am too far away to be heard. The wind will not carry my voice.
I look down at my own hands and they are empty.
A tear slips and falls, making tracks down my face.
I walk on, alone.