Needs

By Cliff Lake

 

Needs

 

They mark their day in miles,

For they can see the setting sun,

And make camp

Where wood for the fire can be found.

 

They mark their miles in meals,

For the hunt is ever before them,

And the camp

May be far from the herd.

 

They mark their meals in skill,

For the best among them

May need to range far from camp,

And the herd may range farther.

 

They mark their skill in need,

For the meal may not be as needful

As the needs of the camp:

Hide has value beyond the stomach’s comfort.

 

They mark their need in seasons,

For the herds move with the moon,

And camps must be struck quickly,

If need is to be satisfied.

 

They mark their past in ruin,

For neither they nor the herd

Will stray near the glowing remains,

Where may be found nothing of need.

 

They mark their history in sorrow,

For they remember what they were,

What they had done,

When really… there had been no need.

 

They mark their lives in yearning,

For they would learn a new way,

And camp in harmony,

And take now only what they need.

 

Cliff Lake 1/24/2025

Copyright © Clifford Lake 2025

Location: Wichita, KS, USA

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