The Green Wood's Ghost Poem by Shuaib Saifi

Once it was a very pleasant evening,
And I was wandering in a forest alone;
All around, the emerald trees were weaving,
Birds were twittering in a gentle tone.

I was filled with joy and feeling free,
I felt no need for anyone to share;
The world around was bright for me to see,
I hoped for nothing but the beauty there.

There I happened to meet a stranger,
Along the pathway, innocent and mild;
I never foresaw the hidden danger,
She bore soft voice like a gentle child.

A conversation grew between us slowly,
And sweeter still my journey did turn;
I felt an affection, deep and holy,
Unlike any before I did learn.

She spoke of heavy trouble she was bearing,
Hearing her grief, I felt a great pain;
I promised to stand by her, truly caring,
Vowed a true friend ever to remain.

Whenever she needed me, I did my best,
All that I could do as a true friend.
I gave my heart no moment to rest,
To bring her back her smile unto the end.

Whenever we two did meet, she'd say:
'If I ever need you, stand by me;
If you consider me a friend today, '
I promised to do so, lovingly.

Thus I smiled in her every glee,
And in her sorrows did profoundly weep;
Her heavy worries brought distress to me,
I remained restless and I could not sleep.

Alas! All that I gave so heartily
Was nothing to her, had no real worth;
The person I trusted so completely
Was my greatest mistake upon this earth.

The one looking innocent like a child,
With a sweet voice hiding all her guile,
Who showed me affection so mild,
Was selfish and cruel beneath her smile.

For when I was struck by a dark disaster,
She left me on the road to walk alone;
She walked away from me faster and faster,
Claiming she had no leisure, and was flown.

When we met again, I spoke with regret,
Of her rough conduct; she showed no shame;
'I never asked for friendship when we met, '
She said, 'You're the one who started this game.'

The burning and deep wounds she's given,
Will never heal, nor set me free;
They'll bleed anew, my heart still riven,
Whenever friendship someone offers me.

Now shadows and a silence rule my days,
Her dreadful memories haunt my broken sleep;
I search the dark for comfort's hidden ways,
As in my bitter loneliness I weep.

The world begins to look disloyal and false,
My heart warns: Seek no loyalty in this place;
Lest you repeat the heartbeat of this pulse,
And the same tragedy again you face.

People often say I have changed a lot,
Asking if someone hurt me. None ever tries
To look deeper; but if they do, I'll tell the plot:
Yes — to the cruelest soul I ever met in guise.