“Lost” (after David Wagoner)

Running, rushing through the leaves,
crashing violently into trees.
I cannot see the path ahead—
life is hanging
by a thread.

I must keep pushing on,
press ahead.
I can’t stand still
or I’ll be dead.

I cannot see the path in front,
can only hear
my heart’s deep thump.

I glimpse a shimmer to my side—
that’s got to be it,
my heart cries.

There I turn
to see my truth,
my destiny—

but it’s aloof.

In silent despair
I choke down cries,
my deadly angst,
my inner lies.

For I am lost—
’tis true, for sure,
this pain
I barely endure.

In this forest
of darkest fear
there is a voice,
but it’s hard to hear.

I have to stop.
My legs are weak.
I take a breath
to hear it speak.

And now I find
a hidden wisdom:

the true path
is the one
you’re missing.

It disappears
to make it clear—
the birds and trees
are always here.

They are not lost.
You need not fear.