A Wanderer's Soul

By Ellie Stokes

There are parts of me scattered 

All around the world -

Fragments of my soul left

Where I was hurled.

My grasp on them

Used to be so tight,

Holding myself together

With all my might.

Now my grip's loosening,

And I can feel her slipping away -

Every version of me,

But that's the price I pay

For having a wanderer's soul,

Unable to keep still.

For being a dreamer,

Always seeking the thrill

Of escaping everything

With the freedom of the sky -

The clouds below me,

I feel like I'm drifting away.

Away from my problems,

Everything I've known

In search of somewhere

I can call "home".

I've been looking for it

My whole life

Yet nothing and nowhere

Has ever felt just right.

The mountains and ocean

Keep calling my name

So how can I stay here

When I'll never be the same?

I've seen so much

In so many places,

Had deep connections

With so many faces.

How can I settle

And be content

When I fell in love

With every place I went?

My heart is longing,

Screaming for more

So I'll keep walking,

Til my feet are red and raw.

I'll look and I'll hunt

For the rest of my life

If that's what it takes

To be rid of my strife.

I'll travel the world,

Try to heal my soul,

Hoping for a feeling

To fill up this hole:

The hole inside me

Caused by the constant need

For belonging and freedom

In this life that I lead.

Even though I know it's not there,

I'll keep searching for "home"

Because at least above the clouds,

I feel less alone.

By Ellie Stokes