The Woods

At the edge of a deep, dark wood

I waited, stopped and I stared .

For hours and hours I stood

wondering... why was I scared?

*

Should I dare myself to walk in?

Should I take that chance?

It only took one step to begin...

I looked ahead, a nervous glance.

*

What awaits me in the dark?

Is it worth this risk I take?

Fingers grasp desperately at bark...

Someone tell me what's at stake.

*

I take a shaky step, my shoe

filled with stones from past roads.

My feet aching, scarred, it's true.

Despite it, taking on more loads.

*

The shadows of the woods, cool

after the heat of a parched desert.

Flowers as bright as jewels

and a fading of the hurt.

*

I take off my shoes and socks

Walk barefoot through cool, damp moss.

A wonder at not feeling rocks...

my ball and chains I toss.

*

Faster I walk, starting to run,

the freedom to be me

through the trees, to feel the sun,

and the need to just be.

*

Running, humming, echoes from above ,

I see you ahead of me, standing.

The glow of life, of love ,

pulling me closer, arms reaching.

*

My heart soars, I run faster ,

reaching for you, your arms, your lips...

trees pass by in a green-gray blur

as a branch catches my shirt and rips.

*

I smell the salt, hear the crashing waves.

The woods thin, moss turns to sand.

I'm covered in dirt, clothes tattered, grave

My Love, you're there, in the surf you stand.

*

At last, I reach you, your arms around my waist,

our lips meet for a warm, slow kiss .

We twirl in the water, no more haste...

through the woods, I've found true bliss.

*

One last look at where I've been ...

memories fading in the soft light of day .

I've dreamed of the day when -

when I'd have only one thing to say.

*

I've got nothing to hide,

I'm yours, all yours.

Let's dance in the tide

and set sail a new life... here, I found the oars.