Into the forest,
I followed.
Your footprints in the snow,
my guide.
Past the clearing I fumbled…
No trace of you in sight.
Obscured vision
by trees
reaching out to the sky.
Muffled sound
by soft snow
blanketing the hollow.
I looked around,
in search of the smile
I have known.
Whiter than snow it shone.
Warmer than the hearth,
its presence glowed.
Only snow abound.
For in the forest
nowhere it was to be found.
I turned around
straining my ears
to catch sound of the laughter
I have known,
which always lifted my spirits,
which welcomed all
with the same fervor.
Only a silent surround.
For in the forest
nowhere it was to be found.
Despair took hold
I called out,
I yelled,
Begging, pleading
To reveal yourself
Out in the cold.
Behind me then,
I heard the crack of a twig.
My heart leapt
as I whirled around
wishing you would be there
in wait.
Many had gathered around,
But not you in their midst.
I searched and searched.
But nowhere you were to be found.
Distraught and dismayed
I let out a sigh.
Frosted breath
lingering in the air,
Broken heart
beating in my chest,
as I began
to walk away.
And then I recognized
the familiar faces in the crowd
that had come
from near and far.
The ones who love you
for who you are.
I approached one,
for in their smile
yours shone through.
And another,
whose voice
echoed your mirth.
There was one
whose eyes
reflected your warmth.
From another,
your friendliness
emanated through.
And from all
I was able
to catch
a glimpse of you.
A calm within me grew,
even though
I then realized
I would nevermore
find you.
For it is then I knew
I would have to make do
with what had become true:
Within us all
you would now continue.
