The Lady of the Wood

I was walking down an unfamiliar path, in woods unknown to me. The day was bright and the dark woods welcoming. The forest was thick, lush, green, and cool. The trees seemed to talk of times gone by and of faced I have never before seen. All was quiet and peaceful when I noticed a lady wearing silken dress looking for me. She was staring deep into my eyes, without sound or movement. Her sheer white cloak danced lightly in the warm breeze. She was unknown to me, but somehow I knew her presence. She felt as old as a mountain, but as innocent as a child. I asked myself how something so old and still is known to me? How could one stay so pure…not to be touched? Yes, I said. I remember stories about gatherings in the wood, of people who want to be separate form evil and of dirty sinful man. Could she be part of some secret clan? She motioned with her frail hand to come join her, and all that was good. To leave all that is soiled behind. Not a word was said, for I knew what was asked of me. I did not take her path that eve. I only stood there drinking up the feeling of the moment. I do not remember when she left me there. Just suddenly she was gone and the mood was broken. I lost the opportunity that she had freely given me. Sadness has depressed me for many years, and I fear many more to come. I often walk those woods alone, looking for that same path. I have never found that corner of the wood or tasted that peace again. I have sat and cried in the woods for her to return and take me away…but the wind was all I heard.

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