The hardest part now is walking alone
through this forest
No sound but my characteristic steps
Naïve, exposed and barefooted
I walk alone
Over each unforeseen hill
Around each unknowable bend
Into and out of each sunken valley
Through each tree-choked thicket
For each and every hurt and hope within me
I walk alone
Towards the bright and open field
That must surely lie before me
I met you once at the trail head
We walked some distance together
Onto the cedar pathway
I do wonder now
Which map you carried