I Ride On

A Poem by David Smothers

Written while driving through the desert Southwest.

Lord I feel like the miles keep moving,
Leading me to be by your side.
The mountains in the distance just keep a promise.
Dust devils blowing from here to there.
Counting down miles, can't get there too soon.
Seeing the many that have lost their way.
Mirages as far as my eyes can see.
Wishing the stardust can carry you to me.
The most important thing is leading the thirsty man to water.
Only a steely soul can live here.
Scorched flatlands with mountains on the horizon.
I've been looking for people for years; have failed to find some.
Chasing treasure but became bust along the way.
Sandy washes can carry me away.

Oh the wind swept bulkheads.
The feathers dancing across my road.
Swift winds of ever changing hourglasses.
My only weapon is resolve.
This planet of loneliness I sojourn.
Borrowing yet a glimpse of my exalt.
My ascent.
My lifting up into a higher plane.
This wind swept journey.
Let it be mine.
These watchmen who wait for me.
They offer water but I thirst not.
Not this time; no.
My journey to find my way through my desert.
Where is my stronghold?
The assaults against my own protection.
Keep strong and straight my vessel.
Amongst the waves of sand.
Pulling against my transit from Mars to Jupiter.
Bridging me forth to the Lord of Plenty.
My wain remain study on my course through my desert.
I will ride on and make no canton with those that besiege my serenity.
I ride on.