We chased a crumbling map
through deserts that swallowed sound
wind carved warnings in dunes
yet we kept moving forward
moonlight stitched shadows long
pointing toward broken towers
the lost city gleamed faintly
half memory, half miracle
its cracked gates groaned awake
dust swirled like old spirits
every step echoed centuries
stones gripped forgotten stories
we touched walls that breathed
with the ghosts of kings
treasure glimmered beneath rubble
but danger hummed beside it
our courage trembled yet held
as dawn lit shattered streets
we stood between legend and truth
and understood wonder is costly
but always worth the scars.
December, 2025
