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By lucy_honeychurch Date: 2004 Jan 22 Comment on this Work [[2004.01.22.13.55.19866]] |
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The Willow and The Whisper I promised you a rendezvous under the sweeping canopy of the Willow Tree. I pause as I ponder this enormous forest alone, ready to embark on an unknown adventure. The tulle fog is almost unbearable this early morning, and I am finding it hard to keep my bearings. I slowly and cautiously make my way through the bramble and the tall grass, carefully spying where I step thinking it could be a trap. A sense of foreboding comes upon me as my senses slowly die, picking my way, walking into oblivion through the fog and the thorns. I search deeper and deeper only to find my journey is circular. I am lost, I resign to myself and wallow in utter devastation at my solitude and my ultimate betrayal to you. I call out into the trees as I am petrified walking aimlessly in the dawn's shadows. I begin to see my worst nightmares in the knot of a nearby tree. I shriek and recoil only to slide down onto the forest floor and sob. Suddenly, I feel a presence is following me as I traverse. "No," I say to myself again. "Tis only my imagination." Only then do I hear The Whisper from the deepest part of the forest. "This way, my Casey." I am still as stone as The Whisper turns into a tug on my sleeve. I am in absolute terror as my feet begin to move on their own, and The Whisper lures me back deeper into the forest where I hear a brook off in the distance. As I walk in this new direction, the fog and bramble begin to unravel and dawn's early light has begun to caress my skin, dying my tears. The rays slowly open up the dark pockets, and my fear begins to dwindle with new hope emerging. I traipse more smoothly as The Whisper encourages me to go on. I am no longer afraid, its voice sweeping over me with undying support and admiration. Still walking, I sense The Whisper has stopped, and I slowly lift my head to see before me. Our Willow Tree is beckoning me with its out-stretched branches like enormous arms waiting to embrace me. I glide under the Willow, a new set of tears with a different purpose stream down my cheeks. Through blurry eyes, sitting under our protective canopy is you. As you turn to face me, I begin to realize what I overcame and the insight creates a truth to our love. We embrace tenderly, holding each other, and as your lips slowly slide across to my ear, The Whisper returns and says, "I told you I wouldn't ever let you go." |