………….

The leaves beneath crackled as I awoke. I got to my feet, and instinctively started searching. Making my way through the forrest, leaves continued to crackle as my bare feet sunk into them. Oddly they felt soft and inviting. Everything was so familiar, like snippets of a reoccuring dream, it was all coming back. Even in the darkness I was able to sense her. I gazed up at her imposing height, all the while sensing her deep roots. My eyes moved to her base, there it was, confirmation, my name, clear as the day it was carved, beckoning.

I placed my hands agsinst her aged bark. It felt slightly rough, but warm, oh so beautifully warm. I moved my body towards the tree so that I was almost plush with it. I felt her embrace, her wisdom, courage and endurance, enticing me inward. There was no fear, just a deep sense of belonging. I was ready. I’d been ready my whole life.