Willow

 

 I wandered out one fine spring day 

Along a path and lost my way 

The sun was bright and air was clear 

But the path just seemed to disappear. 

I yelled for help but none was found 

Besides my steps I heard no sound 

As nothing seemed to even care 

Or acknowledge I was there. 

 

I wondered briefly of my plight 

Then set myself upon a sight: 

A single standing willow tree 

A simple singularity.

The trees were thin and grass was thick 

My strides were long and pace was quick 

The tree, the tree was all I thought 

The willow tree is what I sought. 

I knew I couldn't, mustn't stray 

Or else my new found quest betray. 

Alas, much to my own dismay 

Within my path a child lay.

 

I partly pondered upon her plot 

And partly probed her hidden thoughts 

For she, as I, should be surprised 

Unless, before, she heard my cries 

But for reasons she can only know 

Her presence chose she not to show. 

Then suddenly she stood erect 

In tattered clothes that showed neglect 

With swollen feet and hair unkept 

And darting eyes with hidden depth.

 

I then began to realize 

These features were but a disguise 

For something I could not detect 

But slowly started to suspect: 

Somewhere some secret surely lies 

Although unseen by naked eyes.

 

Then, as if assured I wouldn't flee 

She slowly took a step towards me. 

I cautiously then did the same 

And asked her softly for her name. 

For reasons I still know not why 

Instead she gave me this reply:

 

"The path you seek does not exist 

No matter how much you insist. 

For scattered are the bricks that make 

The different paths that we all take. 

No map will show the road ahead 

That we must follow 'til we're dead. 

And when the path begins to fade 

A new decision must be made. 

Although at first you may seem blind 

With perseverance you will find 

Despite your current state of rout 

That this is what life's all about."

 

With these last words upon her lips

She swiftly swiveled her small hips 

And shifted so the setting sun, 

With her small frame, aligned as one. 

Surprisingly she turned and grined 

And whispered "Willow" to the wind. 

Thus was I left once more alone 

To find the path that leads to home.