An insatiable desire

for satisfaction, fulfillment, closure,
spurred my desires
into thoughts, into actions
all committed in vain.

My throat still burns,
as if the insides of my mouth
were but sandy pebbles
rubbing rapidly against each other
in the sweltering summer sun.

With an aching slowness I continue to walk,
as if my uncovered feet
trudge against the sandy dunes
on the unending path
away from the light of the horizon.

For on my beaten back
rests my sin, my burden.
Like an albatross around my neck,
the weight never to be lifted