Paradise

You have placed me amidst paradise,

Yet I ignore it

For my mind sees not

When it is determined to be elsewhere.

I rush through,

Not with the elegance of your waters,

Nor the grace of your wind,

Rather with the ignorance of one

Who is seeking comfort in a promised future

Knowing all the while it will never come. 

In doing so, I have reduced your mountains

To a mere check mark,

A task to be completed,

A path to be conquered,

An obstacle overcome,

Placing the desire to finish 

Above the ability to witness.

And for this I am ashamed.

I am sorry, 

To the trees I have dishonored,

To the rocks I have scorned,

To the insects I have cursed,

And to the sunset I have forgotten—

For though you have placed me in paradise,

I have not seen it,

Because I was too busy trying to get there.