by Peter Roberts

South Gippsland Rail Trail, VIC

Can these chalky bones and gristle last
the distance? Heavy are the shoulders that
bear the backpack but this is no Camino nor
Appalachian Way or Inca Trail. I have lost my
words. Perhaps they are over the next rise or
beside a gladed creek. Never a pilgrim seeking
compensation, I walk, uncertain, anxious that
I may miss something or be heading in the wrong
direction. Yet as dusk falls surrender is the only
option, along with the hope that the light of a
new day, will find me.