Writing

I pick my way

Through a tangled forest

I am lost

Yet know where I am

I have no set goal

Yet know where I’ll end

I see a new vine

Stop to study it –

The vine is a snake

It slithers around my feet,

Ankles, and legs

Entangles me

It disappears, I collapse

Once fallen, I see a new path

I must follow it

Where does it lead?

A tiger roars – not too distant

I shiver, but I stand

And walk along that path

Wretched barriers arise

My hand torn by brambles,

My legs by thorns,

My face by whipping branches

I fall down a hole –

I’m not Alice, am I?

I land on soft moss

Green, gently, yielding

In front of me, two tunnels –

Which way?

I am not uncertain

I crawl into one

Then crawl for hours

It is dark and cold

Sides lined with harsh rocks

Yet I crawl on soft moss

There is a light

Only just ahead

I am lured by it

Suddenly I am out

Besides a waterfall

Rainbows dance about

I laugh for joy

And jump in the pool

My hair is wet

My feet sink in cool mud

Fish taste my toes

Something shines

Underneath the waterfall

I dive below

I reach – and am thrown aside

Current’s too strong?

I won’t give up

I try again, and again

Finally, as I become tired

I grab it – a jewel

A precious stone

I sit on the bank panting

Admire my treasure

For a moment I rest

Almost wish I could stay

But there is more

Paths, side trails, all to explore

Wonderful gems

– or not – who knows? –

At the end of each one

And mosspaths in-between

So I stand

Find a new path

And set out

I know I’ll be confused

And uncertain, and stuck

But I cannot stop

For something pulls me on.