As I walked down the regiments of pines
I saw the dream I used to have
My mother, who always walked ahead,
Disappeared into the distant path.
The silent darkness of the trees
Closed in. I felt cold loss.
Then out she jumped
From behind a tree,
and laughed at me
for doubting her? For feeling lost?
And ran on like a deer
Which she was not.
Not looking back,
As if to say, you’re on your own.
I laughed out loud now
now that she’s long gone,
and I here, her age then,
walking down the regiments of pine
pleased to recall the dream,
feel the friendship of the trees
and not feel lost.
Kalikellett 