As a man
I realized I had lost my youth
but I still
longed
...
Mom set no limits
when it came to playing with the stars,
groping, handling, as in darkness,
yet alight with anticipation.
...
As a child
I thought of nothing
but childish things,
never forced
...
As a boy
I thought of nothing
but boyish things,
never forced
...
My magical forest had become trees
and
behind the trees stood
more trees
...
If you could wish for no more sorrow in the world
knowing your wish would come true
and knowing there would be no more joy,
would you make the wish?
...
We hear the sound of a washer washing
and we imagine a boat leaving a dock.
We feel the sound of a hammer hammering
and we sense the music of a wood-peacer pecking.
...
They Never Left: Stanzas 5,6 And 7
As a man
I realized I had lost my youth
but I still
longed
to be back
in
the forest of
emerald green
and crimson
and red
and patchwork orange
of delight.
I returned.
I roamed.
I ran.
I stood still.
I looked.
I listened.
They were all still there
still very much alive
still enticing
and deliberate.
Now,
I realize
they never left.
I did.
And,
they'll always be there
when I return
because
I'm there.