Vanity

By Jordan Sleed

The vapor

Of my labor

For that which I surmise

I will only one day describe

Once and for all

A vapor,

You called it?

Yes, a vapor:

Made of that for which I thirst,

Yet not nearly enough

To satisfy.

So, when the rat race is run I collapse,

Without enough water

For the tears I wish to cry —

All because I tried to drink

A vapor.

A vapor,

You called it?

Yes, a vapor,

Or a chasing after the wind,

Rightly describing

What I’ve come to recognize:

The thin clouds of resentment,

This body found running on fumes —

All because I tried to drink

A vapor.

---

Jordan Sleed is an author and musician. Poetry and prose have helped him pray, and he is honored to share that gift with others who seek to experience life with God. He lives in Texas with his lovely wife, Jen, and their dog, Beni. You can read and find more of Jordan's work at rediscoveringholiness.com.