It’s been what seems like a lifetime. Somewhere between a daydream and death—reality warps. You wonder what it might feel like. But all you can feel is your skin continually cracking and tightening and squeezing around your malnourished mind. And as if blisters weren't enough...the now dried blood has hardened what’s left of the rags you called socks. They dig deeper into all that remains of your heels. Yet you find it oddly satisfying. Steps become stomps. Sand funnels into your boots adding to the pleasure. One after the other—each stomp harder than the next—wandering and wondering. A sicking laugh rises from an unknown source. It turns to hysteria; relentless and reckless you almost don't hear it. Coming from behind it startles you. Without turning your body you lift your head and let it fall strait back as if you no longer had a single neck muscle. Now staring directly into the sun your retinas burn before a silhouette darts across your gaze. It takes all your strength to follow its path. You almost fall from a lack of equilibrium. Coming into focus, you stop and stare... A bird. And in the distance beyond its path you notice the ground glints and shimmers...light dancing in waves. After drinking in the sight for a time you sigh...head down. Continue on...left-right...left-right...this isn’t the first time your eyes have deceived you.
