I have lived my life always in motion. Passing like wind sweeping through a cold, slumbering jungle.

I brushed past hungry cats and tranquil places only catching myself for a moment in their tangled hairs.

My eyes never stooped from the hope that hung high and distant in the sky.  Always forward and up. 

Suddenly I find myself in a new place. It’s warm and it’s soft and I’m now looking down and back.  

The world turns so easily. I have outrun all the midnight tigers and there is nowhere else to go. So for the first time I’ll stay. 

I’ll stay here frozen in time. And wait patiently. My roots will grow at last and take hold to this. 

The future winds that caress my limbs I’ll love. The field mice and cardinals that nest in my hair I’ll feed. And the children who sway on my branches, step on my feet and pull out my fresh leaves, I’ll too care for them.  

No matter who or what come. I’ll weather it because there is nothing else to do. 

Goodbyes became painless beauties so now I get to enjoy fruitful beginnings.  

As for you dear, 

Don’t linger on people or plans. You have grasped far too long at faded memories and what could be. The stone has grown rough and will skin too many knees when others fall with you. 

The road ahead is long but only if you’re not living the dream. Faces will flash but let them be only that. Goodbyes are gentle; they mean a job well done, a play worth the ending bow. 

If you can walk the fine line twice over and never think of me until I rise amidst the dark every night. I’ll keep you due North. I’ll always be right here as you turn about the man’s world.