The Green Man

 

“Welcome wayward child,” the woman heard, “to my forest home.
‘Tis my kingdom all around regardless where thy spirit roam.”
“Where are you?” Asked the woodland visitor to the mocking voice.
The birds joined in as laughter echoed while the haunting sound rejoiced.
“Where am I, where are you a question truer prayed upon my dear.”
“Show your self,” was her reply as she kept in check her fear.
“Willful lass you truly are though lost in many ways.
So too be such mortal kind since the first of dawning days.”
On the nearby trees her focus narrowed whilst he talked aloud.
The dense growth of wood and leaf hid all within its shroud.
Then she saw the green man’s face appear from hollowed wood.
What expressed upon his weathered brow she somehow understood.
As he neared her body she stood transfixed powerless and still.
In gentle touch she felt his warmth that fled away her chill.
“From your first step into my world I walked along with you.
Twas I that scented your every breath with tiny drops of dew.
When your passing caressed the tender leaf I felt your gentle hand.
Into this place I am all and one the water, sky and land.
A paradise is what I offer beyond any you could know.”
As he spoke she grew weaker till she submissively let go.
Another claim the woods had made a disciple to the wild.
Till a voice was heard again to say, “Welcome wayward child.”