The Maid of the Wood

Great were the trees of the forest around me;
White were the clouds that were rolling on high.
Still were the creatures I knew did surround me,
Watching, and sensing my ending was nigh.

Far off and westward, the bright sun was falling.
Darkness was covering all like a shade.
Wind stirred the leaves, and they seemed to be calling,
Leading me on to the evergreen glade.

Here, where my footsteps had led me to wander,
There waited a quiet and shimmering pool.
I stopped in my tracks, and stood there to ponder,
Thinking to rest in the water so cool.

A hand touched my shoulder. My eyes opened wide.
Slowly I turned, yet not wanting to flee.
The loveliest vision stood there by my side;
Smiling gently, her eyes turned to me.

Her hair was the color of moss in the spring.
Brown were her eyes, as like ancient old bark.
Tied up in her hair was a raven’s black wing,
Glistening faintly within the eve’s dark.

Holding her hand out, she then beckoned to me,
Silently asking that I come along.
Her bright eyes seemed to be staring right through me.
I nodded and followed, trapped in her song.

Soundless, she led me down a pathway of stone,
Until we came to a mighty old tree.
Woven within was a gnarled old throne,
Upon which she sat, simply staring at me.

Branches above me are quietly spreading
Downward to where I once silently stood.
The earth now my home, the roots are my bedding.
Safe with my mistress, the Maid of the Wood.