In the Green Man's Grove

IN THE GREEN MAN'S GROVE

One night, I traveled down slumber's secret corridor.
Through vague twists and turns I was excited to explore.
Darkened doors led deep into the alcoves of my mind.
Eager was I to plunge forth and leave this world behind.

I fond myself outdoors and my feet on earthen ground.
'Fore me stood an ancient forest raised upon a mound.
Gnarled limbs grasped at heaven and pierced the luminous blue.
Verdant growth speckled the floor with and emerald hue.

Single path, with serpent's grace, vanished into the wood.
My eyes could not access the center from where I stood.
The wildness called, vibrated and echoed with my heart.
Down this winding way I was compelled to make my start.

Ever on the path, I wandered deep into the wild.
High spirits stripped the years away; I turned into a child
Blinded briefly by sunlight, a clearing I did spy.
An ancient grove of oak trees stood open to the sky.

At its core rose a circle,of weathered standing stone,
And empty, in their shadows, an ivy-covered throne.
Reverent air issued forth and birdsong filled the glade.
The feeling of being watched came from the leaves' brocade.

“Who are you young one? Why have you come to seek me out?”
Like rustling leaves, the whispered words sounded like a shout.
Searched and sought, around to find, who spoke to me anew.
The foliage and the darkness masked him from my view.

“I seek to find the place to wherefore my heart belongs.”
A shadow moved, all grew still and the birds ceased their songs.
He moved into the light and upon the throne did sit.
The visage that I saw that day I'll not soon forget.

Wild man of vegetation sat with a regal air.
Strange so his countenance, all could I do was stare.
The leaves of every plant, from his sylvan body grew,
Hair and beard were ropy vines that glistened with the dew.

“Your journey brought you to me. Your destiny is sealed.
You belong, with me here child, so let your heart be healed.
No longer need you fear the wild, my arms hold you near.
And ever in my forest heart will I hold you dear.”

To his breast he beckoned me, the Green Man spread his arms.
I fell into his leaf-filled hug, safe from any harms.
Fear was gone, my heart rejoiced, I knew now where I stand.
The dream mist cleared, I awoke, an oak leaf in my hand.