Pilgrim in the Cornfield, by Cathy Hollister

Pilgrim in the Cornfield, by Cathy Hollister (USA) contemporary

Pilgrim in the Cornfield
 
Overlooked and silent,
camouflaged by the ordinary,
the old pilgrim watches the road.
The young speed by in
their expensive, technical gear. 
Their hungry ambitions
seek the illusive tranquility
promised by success.
 
The old pilgrim had dropped his grudges
along the road of time, struggle, and pain.
He breathes in the scent of life in the soil,
the perfume of the red poppies 
that rise from the dying stalks.
 
The old pilgrim hears the
grasshoppers drone,
considers the crows
finding treasures in the field, 
feels the comfort of the evening breeze.
 
The old pilgrim smiles.
Composure has found a home in his face.
His song is easy, his breath slow.
His pilgrimage has taught him that
age is a reward.
Years build the rich autumn colours,
the reds and ochres that smolder, 
the warmth that is deeper than 
all the harsh neon lights of youth.

Cathy Hollister

Cathy Hollister was a Finalist in the Ageless Authors 2020 Coping with Crisis writing contest. Her work has been in Smoky Blue Literary and Arts Magazine, Corona Global Lockdown and It’s Not Easy published by Poet’s Choice, and others. She lives in middle Tennessee.