The Search

further...further 

into the shaded darkness...

I wander deeper into an unyielding forest

the harder I search...the more entangled I become

in a world far from what I once knew  

my steps quiet...

not wanting to disturb the melody of life

in the deeper reaches of the forest lies an open glade

exhausted and trembling...I fall upon an ivy covered log 

my senses opening to that which is around me

slowly...

noise begins to chorus back to normal 

the brush of wind caressing the majestic guardians

whistling through branches...leaves softly cascade onto the forest floor

birds pick up on the melody, harmonizing to life ebbing away

breathing deeply...

drinking in the heavy mead of life around me

the heady scent of pine... flavored with touches of dated lavender

moss and peat... wet from an earlier rainfall

a lingering taste of ozone 

eyes tearing...

I see life slowly circling towards it restful sleep

Autumn oranges and reds covering the forest floor

a snowfall of embers, bright vibrant colors shouting in death 

"I will emblazon the world...death will not be done quietly"

wetting my lips....

I taste the saltiness of my tears

yet, longing for the sweetness of what life was

instead... it is the bitterness of decay that swirls around my mouth

likened to an over-ripened fruit that has long seen its day 

skin prickles...

feeling the chill of an early evening shadow 

slowly the eternal night shifts towards this haven

crawling into the deepness of this once protected warm shelter

bones feeling the harsh grip of winter's hold

standing..

darkness enfolding the setting light

deafening silence replaces life's eternal music

the sense of tiredness overburdens my shoulders

sleep awaits...