standing in
a desert with
train tracks in
front of me
and
a train
endlessly
passes
with windows
facing me, and
doors facing
the oasis across
the tracks.

as if i was
meant to see
the passengers
playing Parcheesi
& preparing
to walk
the lush
green grass
and drink
icy cool
margaritas
where i
can't reach

- - -

i'm burning
in the heat
& my stomach
is churning
the sand
i swallowed
down my
sandpaper throat.

i missed
a train that
everyone i
know
has boarded
& i can't
get on a train
that won't
stop.

i don't know
why i didn't
buy a ticket
i never
knew about.

and now,
it's too
late.

how did
everyone else
know
to stand
in line?

why am i
the only one
who isn't
on this train?

i want
to join
them.

praying for
a reprieve.

how i long
for the
cool scented breeze
under the
tall palm trees
where they are.