Walking through the mountain woods
I came upon a peculiar thing
Hard, rounded corners,
Shining brightly from within
Decorated by a shadow cape
It whispered of lingering pain
It was heavy
And smooth
Showing less age than I assumed
It cast the shadow of a giant
But seemed an object of average proportion
It sang songs of hope and glory
Often dancing without pause
Walking through the mountain woods
I came upon a peculiar thing
It seems useful and alone
So I shall keep it
Touching this thing evoked a surge of golden light
Peaceful warmth
Not felt soon on these hands
Steady and generous waves
Returning calm to my storm
Holding space for my truth
Mending hope that was torn
The intoxicating glow wound around my waist
Pulling me closer
It gazed upon my face
Suddenly, I became aware
It was staring straight into my eyes
Called to service, with respect
It offered
I will build your dreams
To own me is to lose me
In that you will find yourself
Walking through the mountain woods
I came upon a peculiar thing
It seems useful and alone
So I shall keep it
Enchanting as it was
I had obligations to meet
This thing seemed useful and alone
But this thing was difficult to keep
Too heavy to carry more than a few steps
Too broad to get a good grip
I tried to chase
But it smiled, unafraid
And chased me back
Until I hoped it would
Enticing it with offerings of abundance didn’t work
Enlisting help from my friends
We tried every plan again
And still this peculiar thing resisted
We tried all of our means
This thing would not cede itself
Charming and stubborn
Indifferent to the noise
Nonchalantly obstinate
No fear in its voice
I became quite irate
I found you, I claimed you, I’ll keep you
Or else
No one will keep you
I promise you friend
I’ll kick you so hard
You’ll never be wanted again
With that we locked eyes
and the universe went still
The moment before two planets collide
Time slows just a little
An eternal instant of intentions conveyed
Feet set in motion as hearts were betrayed
Walking through the mountain woods
I came upon a peculiar thing
It seems useful and alone
So I shall keep it
Please don’t
This thing spoke matter of factly
I’m unafraid of conflict but that’s not what I’m for
Building dreams if you respect me
Or walking out the door
Finding a thing that fits you better
I am not to be kept
Kicking me serves no one
But to hurt us both
and those we cherish most
It will teach you a lesson
I explained through my teeth
I’m done wasting time
You’re mine to keep
If you say I can’t have you
Then I’ll kick you to the moon
Unwinding my hips
I made my move
First step
Second step quicker
Refusing a chase
My eyes on the prize
My heart wanted
My heart raced
In full speed I gathered my poise
Locked in on the target
And delivered a thunderou—
Boom.
Oh no
Deafening quiet
Instantaneous fire
White hot for an instant
Then darkness enveloped
Then murky shapes of familiar souls
Washed in a blaze of tortured confusion
Began to emerge through the haze of illusion
Walking through the mountain woods
The world was changed
The universe remained.