by Mark Weinrich

Are we jungle explorers
searching desperately for discovery,
hacking through gray walls of foliage
longing, hoping for fruit?
Fruit that is more than vaccine,
but the source of health, 
the fountain of youth,
the miracle concealed in the dark
that will change the world.

We strain with eyes and hands
outstretched for fruit to alleviate
the loneliness, sorrow, and pain.

Our souls are taxed with weariness.
We wrestle with this mind-numbing climb
as if the snow bears tracks, 
someone to lead us up.

Is this feverish abandon just striving
against the wind? Will we ever look down
instead of seeking our way?

For the cure, the answer
for man’s terminal disease
is lying in a manger.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 130 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.