The Traveler

I walked in the woods in the evening
Through the marshes and the trees
Watching the graceful birds and squirrels
And the shy and slender deer.

A fellow traveler joined me
Stepping quietly down the path
Enjoying the quiet breezes
And crickets singing.

I spoke of my love of the beauty
Of the water and the trees
The fleeting deer and acorns
And the wildflowers by the way.

He whispered that he'd walked this path
For years it seemed to him
Taking joy in the vibrant greenness
And wildbirds winging.

From the greenwoods to the meadow
He walked to ease his heart
My company was welcome
Upon this quiet night.

For others passed but never saw him
And seldom heard his steps
And he was left to walk alone
With twilight fading.

He'd had a loving wife, he said
A laughing, dark-eyed girl
Who loved the blazing wildflowers
And warmed his tender heart.

But she was far away now
And he knew not when they'd meet
And his aching heart grew tired
With the waiting.

So I walked with him a while
Knowing now why we'd met
For my love was also far away
And I was left without her.

I sought the shaded woodland path
To ease my aching heart
And dream of being in her arms
Our laughter ringing.

- for Athena, 2011