You are lost in a forest.
The undergrowth blocks you.
Trees lean in.
Light fades.
Unidentified noises circle.

What dangers wait
in the creeping darkness? 

You know, don't you?
You've always feared
    your erratic behaviors
    your in-crowding thoughts,
    your disquieting longings,
    your cheek-reddening past,
    and, of course, decisions yet to be made…

Do you reach for a felled branch
with which to beat them back?
Or do you fumble for the matches
with which to light a welcoming fire?

Text and image © 2013 by Dirk deVries. All
rights reserved.