Do not dare not to dare - C. S. Lewis

 

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?