I cannot

I cannot turn
to return
to the place
where I did begin
years ago.

The wind has swept away
my footsteps
the sands of time
has taken away my legs.

I cannot take a turn
to return
my heart is heavy
my vision blurred
my mind stunned
I stand numb
and swollen
I feel no pain
when thorns and thistles
reach my legs through the clothes
that I thought
would protect me
I am at a total loss

I cannot
I cannot turn to return
what I think
I cannot speak
what I speak
does not mean
what I mean to speak
for myself.
I carry my dictionary
my children have coined their own
Ours do not match with each other.
they say it
the generation gap.