It started one
summer afternoon, with the tender green leaves.
You said ‘dare
you to jump under the bridge’.
And with a kiss and a dive in, you
disappeared.
Where you went
to, with the trolls and the dryads?
It’s autumn now
and the waters are rising.
I run this
forest once and again.
The bridge has fallen;
the path is cut down.
Did you forget
the sun in the depth of the gorge? Will it turn you into stone? Are you already
asleep in a rocky dream, covered in moss?
It’s autumn now
and the waters are rising.
I found the
witch’s hut and the whispers of curses, but there is no door, there is no
answer.
The heart grows
tired.
Where did you
go with your dares, and shining eyes? Will their light be swallowed by winter and
darkness?
Autum is coming
to an end. Winter is devouring what is left.
The waters rush
down the stream, taking everything with them. They might reach the sea.
I run this
forest once and again, never to find you, no promise or shadow.
The water will freeze soon enough.
I can’t run
anymore. There’s an echo rumbling through the trees.
At the edge of
the bridge, finally I jump and dive in,
The kiss for
bravery cold in the lips.
I know where
you went, with the auburn leaves washed away.
Would you still
be waiting for me?