'A Journey Home' by Katie Thomas

This dirt I stand on is old, I long for a younger world.

 

I can slip between these trees and find myself among new woods, of one hundred acres. 

 

Or I could drift, and dream of storms for eighty-four days, until I reach lion’s shores.  

 

Perhaps what I’ll find is a world of green; glorious countryside. Hills smothered with cows, what secrets they must hide.

 

And while I’m at it, I’ll befriend a fox, one like no other. I’ve heard from the locals he’s rather fantastic. 

 

If I get lost I can take the train, where the tracks could chase me back to wherever I call home.

 

I could always part the tides, walk the deserts, do all things and even have time for a revelation. 

 

I venture far, with every step I fall deeper; swimming, drowning in an infinite sea of twenty-six. I keep my breath held, it’s rushing and churning, and I’m coughing and spewing. Pink faced, blue toes, white knuckles, tears streaming,  

 

Knock.