Beyond the Forest

The ground – it was soft, 

soaked through with frigid affection 
and gliding passively away; 
he drove his heel in. 
He embarked up the forest path, 
against the bitter breeze 
that grew harsher and harsher 
as he ascended with ease 
until he slipped. Slipped as 
the path was pulled away below, 
like a rug or a throw, 

so he drove his cane in...

Hauling up his weight towards the 
snowbells’ chimes, twirling amongst the 
winds, and the baby birds squawking 
a melody to his ears, and  
the pretty patterns of tree trunk 
contorting 
to amiable expressions that 
whispered and whispered and whispered around 
as reality slipped away down 
the riverbank, swaying along with 
the winding kindly current. 
 
And then he was amidst it, 
cloaked from by-standing eyes 
by strong wooden bodies and 
arms of greenery likewise. 
A mellow breeze cradling him 
upon that soft, forgiving ground, 
whilst those gracious grooved faces 
whispered and whispered and whispered around, 
welcoming him in with a rustling sound. 
And stout mist escaped his lips no more 
as he was safe now; 
safe and warm.

~ written 19th January 2021