Creeping down by the old withering trees,
Like sorcerers did they whisper their secrets,
Eyes widened with wonder, I tiptoed alone
Climbing over their rooted defences
Our ancestor’s land dipped and dived ahead.
A forbidden kingdom that had to be discovered
I beat sticks against stumps
To prove my strength,
And crumbled dry earth between my palms;
Saving colour-speckled crinkly leaves
Like secret relics did I cherish them
Finding meaning in their waxy surface
Deeper into the darkness
Where light was not welcome
Where branches interwove and held hands above me
I found their gestures friendly,
As they had shed leaves for me
I gathered piles and rested my head
Ready for the journey ahead.