April 10th - In the Jungle

The last twenty years I have been
in this dense jungle of my mind,
a brave explorer, on the scene
to trim the trees and treasures find.

I seek not either fame nor glory,
but only recognition here,
in this forest where my story
unfolds, blanketed with my fear.

For twenty years I walked a trail,
lingering branches chopped and hacked,
demons faced without a wail,
I bested all that has attacked.

But, in turning 'round to travel back,
I heard a rustle with the breeze.
I realized at the branches I should not have hacked,
but at the roots of those deadly trees.

In that final day I emerge, awake
but broken, quiet, and afraid.
I felt the ground beneath me quake
and knew too well just what I'd slain.