Woodland conversation for Magpie #262

The words lay hidden in
the woodland of my mind.
Resisting calls to come hither--
"Write the words that are there,
Not the ones you cannot find."

That voice, I recognize it now.
"Been too long, away, my boy,
come sit by my feet, and we'll
talk, like so many years ago,
when you were but a sapling."

"Those days, your mind was supple,
as well as your limbs.
We chatted easily, without embarrassment.
You had many questions then;
we explored the possibilities."

"Like me, you've grown rigid, both
in mind and body.  Have you
found the answers that you sought?
Did the winding path ahead
provide the wisdom you craved?"

"No, my old friend, I cannot say I did.
You watched me leave, wave good-bye,
hoping my chosen path
would bring me back to you;
Gnarled but wiser now, you and I."